Edward J. Chmiel, a Traverse City resident and former longtime resident of Warren, MI and Weeki Wachee, FL, passed away on June 15, 2025, at the age of 96.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Ed served his country with pride. After the service, he went on to build a long career as an experimental chemist at General Motors—a job he was always proud of and eager to talk about. He was sharp, discerning, and stubborn in the best way. If Ed liked you, you knew it. He didn't hand out compliments for show, and he had no patience for nonsense. But if you needed him, he showed up. Quietly, reliably, and fully himself.

He wasn't sparkly. He didn't light up a room. But you were always glad he was in it. He had this half-smirk he'd wear in every photo, and a twinkle in his eye that hinted at his dry sense of humor. In retirement, he loved camping, fishing, and trying his luck at the slots. He enjoyed spending time with his nephews and nieces and sister- and brother-in-law Elsie and Al Benson, who lovingly took care of him during his later years.

He watched Bonanza and Gunsmoke like it was his job. He collected coupons. And newspaper articles. And loved any food that was pickled, preserved, or frankly, really weird. But more than anything, he missed his beloved wife Marlit—his best friend, his person—every day since she passed in 2014.

Something Ed said at the end of every family gathering, without fail, was "I'm ready to go now!" It's equal parts funny, and now fitting. And we think he was ready. But we'll still miss him. A lot.

Ed is preceded in death by his mother - Stella Chmiel (Staniszewska), Father - Cass Chmiel, and by his wife and best friend Marlit Chmiel (Kuehl) who passed in 2014.

A Celebration of Life honoring Edward Chmiel will be scheduled at a later date. Donations can be made in his memory to Hospice of Michigan.