Edward Ernest Hardy, 89, of Traverse City, passed away March 6, 2022 from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was born February 5, 1933, in Chicago, son to Robert and Hazel (Seaman) Hardy. Edward was a resident of Traverse City since January of 1951 and a proud graduate of Michigan State University. He married the love of his life, Annette Jean Herkner on April 26, 1952 at the First Congregational Church. This April Edward and Annette would have celebrated their 70th anniversary. Edward honorably served his country in the United States Army in Germany. He was a dedicated teacher, teaching at Eastern Elementary for 28 years. Many past students of his remember his humorous stories of hunting, fishing and running. Edward loved spending time outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. During hunting season, he would arrive at his favorite spot before daylight and sit all day until dark. In his fifties he found his passion for running, cycling and competing in triathlons. He was a serious runner and received many first-place medals in his age group. He ran many marathons including the Boston Marathon multiple times one year finishing seventh in his age group. He continued this passion well into his seventies. Annette also enjoyed running; they competed together in all the local races with their running buddies and traveled to many others around the country including the Senior Games in Utah. Edward leaves behind his wife Annette Hardy; daughter Lori (John) Kwasky and son Jim (Kathy) Hardy both of Traverse City; three grandchildren Jason (Molly) Kwasky, Suzanne Hardy (Dylan Sullivan), Jacqueline Hardy; two great-grandchildren Trey and Remi Kwasky; sisters-in-law Laurene (Ron) Barnes of Traverse City Sue Hardy of Kalamazoo; many special nieces and nephews and good family friend Phyllis Carboneau. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Robert Hardy, David (Betty) Hardy, Shirley (Frank) Kocevar and nephew Brad Hardy Services for Edward will be private. He will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City. The family would like to thank the Grand Traverse Pavilions staff at Elm Pavilion for their compassionate care. Memorials may be directed to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite #150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or online at parkinsonsmi.org Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Edward and his family. You may view his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com