Edwin “Ed” Willard Oesterreicher, age 93. loving husband and ideal traveling companion for 63 years to Donna, nee Alspector; caring and proud father of Jill Gilford, James, Jay and Jody Oesterreicher, fond former father-in-law of Lisa Warsaw Oesterreicher, adoring grandfather of Ben (Casey) Jackie and Lauryn Gilford, Jamie and Skylar Oesterreicher and great-grandson Charlie; devoted son of the late Charles and Emma; dear brother of the late Robert (survived by Ruth) and the late Earl (Ginger) Oesterreicher; fond uncle of Susan, Sheri, Ty (Bado), Mark (Lynn), Jeff (Debby), Gary (Sue), Lynne, Fran (Steve), Brian (Jen), Robbie and the late Vicki. Ed grew up in Humboldt Park, Chicago where he attended Richard Yates Grade School and Roosevelt High School. He was on the honor society, played football, baseball and wrestled. He was voted “Best Build” by his classmates. Went on to Wright Jr. College where he played end on the football team. Team was Illinois Jr. College Champion and he caught a touchdown pass in the championship game. He went on to study agriculture at Iowa State College. Was the 175# intramural wrestling champion. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy, where he was a Quartermaster-Signalman aboard auxiliary ships that served the 7th fleet for four years. He met and married Donna Alspector of Peoria on March 3, 1957, IL. Instead of farming, he went into the coal and wood business, founded by his grandfather-Leopold Oesterreicher-in 1888. Initially known as The United States Wood Co., it later evolved into Chicago Wood & Coal Co. The company was initially located at 1153 N. Halsted and later moved to 4500 W. Chicago Ave in 1918. Ed’s father-was the 2nd generation and 17 years old when he began working in 1916. Leopold passed away in 1938. Ed was the President of The Chicago Coal Men’s Club and Vice President of The Chicago Coal Merchants Assoc. There were over 400 coal yards in the city and suburbs when he started in 1955, but only 5 when he retired in 1984. Ed loved exercising, playing softball in his youth, going to Cubs games, college football games and the years of traveling the world with Donna. He was a steadfast friend and caring father, an adored grandfather, loving companion of Donna and indulgent pal of a series of female poodles and most recently his Yorkie-Poo, CoCo. He was a positive presence in our lives and will be missed and remembered with love. Graveside services Thursday August 12th at 12 Noon at Memorial Park Cemetery-Monorah Section-9900 Gross Point Rd., Skokie. Family and friends can view the service on Edwin ’s webpage at www.mitzvahfunerals.com live, or any time after the service. Contributions in Edwin’s name to Orphans of the Storm www.orphansofthestorm.org would be appreciated. Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824, or www.mitzvahfunerals.com