Edward Lustgraaf

MADISON-Edward C. Lustgraaf, age 91, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015. He was born in Great Falls, Montana, on Feb. 18, 1924, the son of William and Louise (Mikulecky) Lustgraaf. He was a proud member of the U.S. Army, and served under General Douglas MacArthur in Tokyo during the Pacific Theater as a combat engineer and film photographer. During his service, Edward attained the rank of Tec5 and was awarded the Philippian Liberation Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. His photography turned from a vocation to an avocation. In Montana he did early medical research for heart, cancer, and green cell research. Edward moved the family to Madison where he worked for the State of Wisconsin at UW-Madison State Lab of Hygiene. He also worked with the federal government and OSHA before retiring. He married Gladys Pepos on Aug. 19, 1950, in Great Falls, Montana. They spent the next 64 years together. In 1989, Edward retired to care for Gladys. For as intelligent as he was, he was even more witty and punny, from the circus punch lines to one liners around the dinner table. Edward would dress as a clown, and Santa during the holidays. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, many times making trips to the Circus World Museum. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and was proud to have his son and grandson serve in the armed forces as well. Edward is survived by five children, MaryAnne (Laura Fant), Joseph, Theresa, Anne Marie and Margaret (Kevin) Webster; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys; daughter-in-law Dianne Lustgraaf; sisters, Mary Tanner, Helen Shikany and Margaret "Joie" Sweeney; and brothers, Martin and John "Bud". A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SAINT BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015. Military honors will follow the Mass. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4p.m. until 7 p.m., with a rosary service to follow at 7:15 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. The family wishes to thank the loving neighbors, the First Responders, Police, Firefighters, and the medical staff that were able to care for Edward. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420