Sparta – Edward “Ed” Rombak, 55, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 3, 2016. He was born in Brazil on January 14, 1960, son of the late Frank and Janina (nee: Chodyn) Rombak.
Ed was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Joanne Marie Bigwood, on March 31, 1995, in Waukegan, IL.
Ed proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. His military career of 20 years took him all over the world where he met dear friends that would last a lifetime. Following his military career, Ed was an operations manager for Verizon Wireless until he left to move with Joanne to Sparta. He loved wildlife but did not like to hunt. He enjoyed watching nature from a distance. Ed loved camping and looked forward to his annual fall and spring camping trips with his family and friends.
Ed leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 20 years, Joanne Rombak of Sparta; daughters, Jessica (Phil) Dudas of Minneapolis, Sarah (Jack Kauers) Perreault of Racine; grandsons, Jackson Kauers, Cole Dreckmann; brothers, Frank (Sandy) Rombak, Richard Rombak, all of Racine; sister, Susan Rombak of Pontrabedra, FL; brothers-in-law, Michael (Connie) Bigwood, John Bigwood, Robert (Liz) Bigwood, all of Daytona Beach, FL; sister-in-law, Maureen (Steve) Loos of Port Orange, FL; nieces and nephews, Nathan Rombak, Jacob Rombak, Kayla Rombak, Olivia Rombak, Olivia Bigwod, Bianca Bigwood, Ashley Loos, Brittani Loos, Conner Loos; other relatives and dear friends from all over the world too numerous to mention.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Janina Rombak.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on his birthday, Thursday, January 14, 2016, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Full military honors will follow the services at the funeral home. Remember, Ed would want you to laugh when you think of him.
Mike & Connie Bigwood says
Wish we could be there. We will always remember our FUN trips to Biloxi–Huddle up “Just win!!!”. Play on Ed. Much Love Mike & Connie
Vicki (Stacy) Boles says
Susan, Rick and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and nought so are with you.
PAUL BEAN says
So sorry for your lose. Rest in peace Ed.
Thomas Pietila says
So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing! He was one in a million and gave me my start in the wireless industry. Ed and his wife attended my wedding and provided many years of leadership/learning and I certainly looked up to him. I was a young fella just out of the Military and he was instrumental in my success at Verizon. His humor was something I’ll remember always. Rest in peace and you will never be forgotten!
Eric Hanley says
Joanne and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ed was a great boss and friend who was always there for me. I enjoyed our many conversations over the years and he always made me laugh. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
christine campbell says
I am so sorry Joanne for your loss. I am so in shock. The world has lost a great man. I wish I could be there for you Joanne. God Bless you at this time . I love you.
Philip Hardebeck says
You were a great friend, I wish you well my brother.
Semper Fi until we meet again.
John Velasco says
You will be missed brother!
Semper Fi Marine