Edward L. Kurek
July 30, 1918 — February 12, 2009
A funeral service for Edward L. Kurek, 90, of Granville, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Spring Hills Baptist Church, 1820 Newark Granville Rd., Granville with Pastor Gary Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will follow at Welsh Hills Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Navy and Licking County Veteran's Alliance.
Edward died Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the Inn at SharonBrooke in Newark. He was born July 30, 1918 in Chicago, Ill to the late Charles L. and Bernice Kurek.
Prior to Edward's retirement as a Lieutenant Commander from the U.S. Navy in 1964, he served his country during WWII and Korea. He was an operator of LCTs and served on the U.S.S. Mountrail, and other ships. He enjoyed a career spanning 22 years which included teaching Naval Science and Tactics. His second career began in 1964 at Antioch High School in Northern Illinois, where he was Director of Curriculum and Guidance for 16 years. Edward attended Northern Illinois University and Northwestern University.
Edward enjoyed big band music and theatre and was known to be an accomplished dancer. His other favorite past times included golfing, playing bridge, reading, traveling to various Elder Hostels, rooting for his Chicago Cubs, and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be affectionately remembered as 'Beloved Papa'.
Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Mary Kurek of Granville, and Gary and Megan Kurek of Belleville, IL; three granddaughters, Christina Rose and Heather Marie Kurek of Granville, and Alanna Frances Kurek of Belleville, Ill.; and grandson, Nicholas Edward Kurek, of Granville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Dorothy (Bissell) Kurek, whom he married February 14, 1951; and one brother.
Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the MCPEEK-HOEKSTRA FUNERAL HOME, 133 S. Prospect Street in Granville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Healing Art Missions, P.O. Box 645, Granville, Ohio 43023.