Edward "Eddie" Komorowski

Heaven has gained a new band member with the addition of Milwaukee Accordion's own Edward Leonard Komorowski, who decided on Sunday, February 8, 2026, that he was ready to go back home at the age of 97.

Eddie, as he was affectionately known, was born on February 5, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of three children born to Edward J. Komorowski and Helen W. Komorowski (nee Kaczmarek). He was very close to his younger siblings, Claudia Wrona (Roy Bassler and Al Wrona) and Kevin (Mary Ann Casper) Komorowski, both of whom preceded him in death; and he was an uncle to Brian Bassler and Erin Yamada.

Eddie was a lifelong participant of Saint Matthias Parish, where he attended grade school and later served the church as an usher for 35 years at Sunday Mass. He went on to graduate from Milwaukee Boys' Technical and Trade High School in 1947 and then attended Marquette College for three years before getting drafted in 1951. Eddie served three years in Alabama in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Supply Sergeant. This suited him fine because it allowed him extra time to use his talents and his gift to entertain to play his accordion for his fellow platoon, which he and the platoon enjoyed greatly.

Eddie's work ethic was as strong as his sense of rhythm. After returning from service, Eddie opened a music store, creatively called Edward's Music Shop, located on the south side of Milwaukee, where he sold instruments and taught music lessons. It is there that he met the love of his life, Mary J. Komorowski (nee Dwyer). They married in 1958 and were married for 39 years before she passed in 1997. Eddie and Mary went on to have five children: Lenny (Terri) Komorowski, Ned Komorowski, Ward (Lynn) Komorowski, Carrie (Doug) Clark, and Kerstin (Craig) Hefter. Eddie was a devoted grandfather to his 15 grandchildren, spending time teaching the grandchildren how to shoot bows and arrows and instilling a love for music through regular music lessons, teaching both piano and accordion to Aaron, Kaitie, Christopher, Joe, Jeff, Nicholas, Daniel, Allie, Ryley, Dolan, Brady, Gavin, Ben, Karleigh, and Jacob. He also leaves behind 17 great-grandchildren.

Throughout Eddie's life, he lived through his music, often playing side jobs and weddings to supplement his career as a skilled electrician. After retirement, he continued his love for entertaining by playing daily "gigs" at area nursing homes where he became quite popular with the ladies. He loved bringing joy to the people of these homes and would tell us stories of how his music would touch the residents, many of whom were wheelchair-bound and some were nonverbal. He would tell us how when he played "their" music, tears would stream down their faces, and it made him so happy to know that he was bringing joy and awakening memories for these people. Music was really his passion, but electrical work was his bread and butter through the years. He began his electrical career prior to the music store, working for STAFF Electric, and then later returning to the electrical field as an industrial electrician after the music shop. Through the years, he worked for a few different companies but finally retired at the age of 70 from Krones Incorporated in Franklin WI.

In 1999, Eddie found happiness again and married Julia Stepanski (nee Juenemann). Together they travelled to see family in other states including Arizona and South Dakota, often stopping along the way at various places of fame or history. Julia passed away in 2021.

Eddie was a chocolate-loving, accordion-playing man who had a mind of ingenuity. He made mufflers out of gutter parts and a stop-and-go light in the garage for Mary, so she knew if her van was all the way inside when she was parking it. He could captivate an audience through music and storytelling--usually with a bit of tartar sauce on his upper lip from his favorite McDonald's fish sandwiches. He was faith-filled, funny, and endlessly creative. He was giving and kind and could fill a room with his personality. Although Eddie has been laid to rest, his family and friends will forever hold cherished memories and his beautiful music close to their hearts.

Let us honor the extraordinary life of Eddie Komorowski - a life so beautifully played, a song so sweetly sung. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 9306 W. Beloit Rd, Milwaukee, WI, on Saturday, MARCH 21, 2026, at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, ending at 10:45 am. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Linden Grove for their kind and compassionate care.

Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home

Dodgeville 608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com