MADISON - Edward F. “Ed” Grzenia, age 80, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at his home. He was born on Sept. 10, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., the fourth son of Bernard and Frances (Orient) Grzenia. At age 3, Ed moved to Avoca and lived on Hipenbecker’s Farm eventually moving to Dry Dog Ridge Farm in 1956.

Ed graduated from Riverdale High School in 1960 and entered the U.S. Army. He enjoyed 49 years of marriage with the love of his life, Marilyn McGrath and they raised four children teaching them to enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, visiting the farm and enjoying traveling around the United States. Most importantly, they were taught to help out neighbors, family and friends.

Ed was proud of his 33 years as an insurance agent on the east side of Madison with American Family Insurance. He loved getting to know many, many people over the years. After losing Marilyn to cancer in 2011, Ed became an active member of St. Dennis Catholic Church where he met new friends with whom he enjoyed playing cards, going to casinos and going out to daily breakfast. Ed also loved going fishing in Canada with extended family members, watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks, cowboy movies, traveling and volunteering at St. Dennis Catholic Church and St. Vincent de Paul. Over the last 10 years, Ed was blessed again to find love and companionship in his very special lady friend, Karen Wolf, and her children, Tom (Cheryl) Campbell and Angie Campbell (dec. 2019).

Ed is survived by his children, Dennis (Jackie) Grzenia of Markesan, Kathy (Dave) Pierce of Edgerton and Mike (Lori) Grzenia of Middleton; his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Alexis (Marlin) Winden, Danielle (Tyler) Strzyzewski, Brooke (fiancé Paul Stephenson) Grzenia, Autumn Grzenia, Mitchell Pierce, Mary Pierce, Matthew Pierce, Nick (Hailey) Grzenia, Rachel (Scott) Franchi and Brandon (Christina) Steinberg; great-grandchildren, who put a twinkle in his eyes, Mason and Alaney Winden, Owen, Bryson, Corbin and Kipton Strzyzewski, Erin Grove and Alaina Grzenia, Baby Franchi, Skyler and Layla Steinberg; siblings, John (Patricia) Grzenia, LeRoy (Susan) Haffner, Joanie (Mel Kreul) Haffner, Alvin Haffner Jr., and Loral Wells; and sister-in-law, Marie Grzenia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Grzenia and Frances (Alvin Sr.) Haffner; beloved wife, Marilyn (2011); his beautiful daughter, Sheryl Grzenia (1998); handsome brothers, Francis and George Grzenia; and his precious great-granddaughter, Shelbey Ann Steinberg (2017), for whom Ed drove through a winter snowy night to meet and hold before she passed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 28, 2023, followed by full military honors. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

Ed’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jen, Stephanie and Megan at Agrace HospiceCare and to Jane and Kathy for their caring assistance throughout Dad’s final journey. He was one of the good guys and cracked jokes right up to the day of his passing. Peace be with you, Dad. We love you. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Edward Fred Grzenia

September 10, 1942 - April 18, 2023

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