Edward Walter Kaniewski, age 85 of West Branch, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the Horizon Senior Living In West Branch. Eddie was born on December 3, 1936, to Frank and Wanda (Gruchala) Kaniewski in Hamtramck, MI.
He was the eldest of four siblings. He grew up in Hamtramck and worked as a machine repairman after joining the Navy Reserves. He married Geraldine Otrompke in June of 1966 and raised four children together. In 1979, Ed and Gerry moved from Fraser, MI, to West Branch, MI, to be closer to nature and continue to raise his family. He became the head of plant operations at Tolfree Memorial Hospital (WBRMC), where he retired in 2000. He continued to work, starting his own electrical business “Eddie K’s Electric”. He was a master electrician who loved his work. In 2003 he married MaryAnn Welsh. They loved spending time together worshipping and travelling. Some of his other hobbies included softball in his early years, hunting, socializing with family and friends, and visiting residents at Bortz Nursing Home, cantering at St. Joseph and Holy Family Catholic Churches. His love of people was evident throughout his life, shown by his compassion and kindness. He volunteered at West Branch Little League and helped with their lighting. He also loved organizing the yearly AuSable Valley Mental Health Christmas party.
Eddie is survived by his loving wife, MaryAnn and her family, daughter, Karen (Jeff) Marvin, grandson, Derek (Lauren) Hughey, great granddaughter, Skylar, grandson, Tanner (Whitney) Hughey, great grandson, Calvin, grandson, Cory (RayAnn) Hughey, grandson, Riley (Mattie) Marvin, grandson, Kelby; son, Eddie Jr., granddaughter, Carah (Seth) Few, great granddaughter, Lillian, great grandsons, Collin and Lyle; son, Andrew (Mary) Kaniewski, grandsons, Hayden and Jacob, granddaughter, Lucy; daughter-in-law, Susan (David) Kaniewski, grandson, Brad (Starlynn) Kaniewski, great grandsons, Stuart, Brendon, Triston and Ethan, granddaughter, Mariah (Chris) Kaniewski, great granddaughter, Alayna; granddaughter, Jenelle (Chad) DuFresne, granddaughter, Brooke, grandson, Cody; and his siblings, Sue, Ronald, and Diane.
He is preceded in death by parents, Frank and Wanda, wife, Geraldine Kaniewski, and son, Michael Kaniewski.
Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Monday, December 27, 2021, from 5-8 pm. A Scripture Service will be held at 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church in West Branch at 11 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am until time of mass. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Branch.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice or St. Joseph School.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. (www.steuernolmclaren.com)
