Edward W. Chihak

edward chihak
Edward W. Chihak, age 86, of Elma, IA passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA with his family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek celebrating the mass. There will be a two hour visitation at the church on Friday prior to the funeral mass. Military rites will be provided by the Elma American Legion. Burial will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date. Edward William was born November 28, 1935, the son of William and Lillian (Stefan) Chihak in Howard County. He attended and graduated from Elma High School. After completing his education, Ed enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge. When he returned home, Ed began working for John Deere. While out on the town at Pla-Mor in Rochester one evening, Ed met the love of his life, Eileen Schwantz. The couple were united in marriage on November 14, 1964 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. They made their first home in Waterloo, where they welcomed their baby girl, Judy. The family then moved to Lourdes. Ed purchased and ran the Lourdes Store and ground feed for local farmers. A few years passed before the Chihak family began farming in Chester, IA. Ed and Eileen returned to the Elma area and he began working for the State of Iowa until he “officially” retired. In his down time, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing sports and spending time with his family. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and always had an encouraging word for them. Ed was a member of Immaculate Conception and Knights of Columbus. His memory will be honored by his wife, Eileen Chihak of Elma; his daughter, Judy (Kevin Acker) Ungs of Elma, IA; his grandchildren, Travis (Kelsey) Ungs, Brittany (John) Leclerc, Jessica Ungs; his great-grandchildren, Mallory, Eloise, Noah, and Lauren; his siblings, Evelyn Regan of Cedar Rapids, IA, Elsie Lentz of Elma, IA, Virginia (Dan) Koch of Manchester, IA, Jane Mahoney of Waukon, IA, Betty (Dan) McGrane of Riceville, IA, Bill (Cathy) Chihak of Elma, Raymond (Deb) Chihak of Destin, FL; special family friends, Sharon, Jimmy and Maggie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marcy (Art) Ferrie; brothers-in-law, Clarence Regan and Linus Lentz; his nephews, Tim Ferrie, Rick Ferrie, David Lentz and Kenny Chihak.

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  1. Please know how very sorry we are to hear this sad news. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Wayne & Pat Arnold

  2. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conway-Markham Funeral Home – Elma

  3. I’m going to miss Eddie. We had some great times golfing together over the years. Just a short time ago we ran into Eddie and his wife at Klunders when they were returning from Waterloo from the hospital and the same for me. We had a really nice visit. He’ll be missed. Condolences to the family. RIP Eddie.

  4. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and love coming your way. Many memories of babysitting Judy. ❤️

  5. We are all going thru the Circle of Life. Your Husband, Father and Grandfather will be Truly Missed by all.

  6. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of “Edward Chihak”.

  7. So sorry to hear about Ed. I know we all have great memories of him that will keep him close to our hearts. Lots of fishing stories and hard fought card games are A few that come to mind. Please know that you Are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Deepest sympathy, Bev Valvoda

  8. My sympathy to all of Ed,s Family.I knew Eddie for many years and he was always fun to be around. Marian Gebel.

  9. Sending love , peace and hugs. God Bless you all. Lovingly, Ed, Nancy, James, Paige, Laila, August

  10. So sorry for your loss. Ed was a great guy and lived life to its fullest. Always had a smile when he greeted you. Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP Eddie!


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