Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, September 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Peterstown with Father Peter Pilon and Father Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will be in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Mr. Kuczek was born in Chicago to Joseph and Josephine (Bialek) Kuczek on November 11, 1919. He attended St. Ann's Catholic Grammar School and then went to Harrison Technical High School graduating in 1938.

He then went to work for Sears and Roebuck at their original mail order plant as a warehouseman.

Because he saw World War II coming he quit his job before Pearl Harbor and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was trained as a radio man and was assigned to 8th Fighter Control, 5th Air Force in the Pacific. He made 5 invasion landings with the Marine Corps Units.

After the war he immediately went back to his old job two days after coming home. Having malaria four times overseas kept him sick for 10 years after.

Once he regained his health he was introduced to Jane Bakula. He and Jane were married at St. Bruno's Catholic Church in Chicago in 1959.

Since he inherited his father's dream a farm, Ed, Jane and their 2 sons came to Mendota in 1972. They moved to their current farm in Peterstown in 1984.

Ed was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He greatly enjoyed bowling at the Mendota Elks Lodge in both league and Monday afternoon seniors. Ed raised Montadale sheep and had a great knack with animals. Ed was the last member of the Foxholers. This group were the survivors of the Pacific landings. A more tight group could not be found. Ed was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox.

He is survived by his two sons Edward Kuczek, Jr. of Mendota and William Kuczek of Toluca.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 2020, his parents, two brothers and his in laws.

Memorials may be directed to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church or Masses.