Edward Joseph Wodek

TRAVERSE CITY - Edward Joseph Wodek, 58, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, February 4th, 2016 at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. Ed was surrounded by the presence of his loving family.

Ed was born on April 15th, 1957 in Petoskey, one of four children born to Jack and Stella Wodek. He received his Bachelors of Science and Education degree from Central Michigan University. Ed's teaching career first began at St. Francis High School (1980 to 1985). He then started teaching at Leland Public Schools in 1985 and had continued educating there for the last 31 years.

Ed's outgoing personality was truly a force to reckon with. He was not only approachable and kind-hearted, but his energetic spirit and love of life made you want to know him. He had a contagious charisma that brought excitement to whomever he was around. When Ed entered the room, you knew it and you felt his presence. Family was ultimately the most important part of his life. He always put family first, no matter what. Ed also had a strong passion and love for teaching. His ability to inspire students in the classroom is a legacy that will forever live on through anyone who knew "Wodes." Ed was a brilliant musician. Starting at the age of 8, he began playing the drums professionally. He devoted his gift to the Rotary Show for the last 33 years. When Ed sat at a piano, he could make a room come alive, even without a sheet of music to read. His other hobbies consisted of golfing, fishing, cooking and debating politics with the best. Ed's spirit will be remembered in so many different aspects of our daily lives, he will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Ed is survived by his wife Brenda; his daughters Elizabeth (fiancée Cameron Kilcherman) of Northport, Allison of Suttons Bay, Ana of Suttons Bay, and son Adam of Ypsilanti. Also surviving him are his step-children; Karla Krause of Austin TX, Jennifer (Alex) Drewanz of Chicago, and Wendy (Perry) Merillat of Livonia. Ed's siblings; Viola (Raymond) Cilva of Traverse City, Jean Pokorski of Rochester MI, Don (Nancy) Wodek of Woodbury, MN.

He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Jack and Stella Wodek, brother-in-law Lawrence Pokorski.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 12, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Bayview Wesleyan Church, 720 Wayne Street, Traverse City. Pastor Matt Mabey will officiate.

Per Ed's wishes, please consider memorial donations to the Edward Wodek Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Leland Public Schools, 200 North Grand Avenue, Leland, MI 49654.