Dr. Edward L. Michalec
November 30, 1932 - May 26, 2018

Dr. Edward L. Michalec
Canton - Dr. Edward Lawrence Michalec, 85, of Canton, died at 8:30 pm on May 26, 2018. He was in hospice care in the home of his children. He was born on November 30, 1932, in Chicago, IL to John and Anna (Surin) Michalec. He married Claudette Joan Janetka at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chicago on June 11, 1955. His beloved wife died on May 2, 2015, five weeks short of their 60th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his sons, Scott L. Michalec and Todd L. (Christina "daughter") Michalec both of Germantown Hills. For the past year, he made his home with his children. He is further survived by his sister, Mrs. Mildred Joseph, of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and his sister in law, Mrs. Anthony R. Janetka, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, three generations of nieces and nephews and by many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Mrs. Ann Kutinac, and his brother, John Michalec, Jr. Dr. Michalec received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University Of Illinois College Of Dentistry in 1963 with highest honors. From July 1963 to June of 1965 he served as an officer in the Commissioned Corp of the United States Public Health Service. He was stationed on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in Wagner, South Dakota. He held the rank of Naval Lieutenant. From July 1965 until June 1999 he was in private practice in Canton, Illinois. Along with his office family (the late Charlotte Leitze, Kathy Schleich, and Carolyn Woods) he provided exceptional and compassionate dental care to three generations of patients. He was honored to be voted the Daily Ledger first "Favorite Fulton County Dentist" in 1995. He was a life member of the Peoria District Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. He served a term on the Fulton County Board of Health and for 25 years he sat on the Board of Directors of the former Canton State Bank. Edward was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He was thrilled to watch the Cubs win the World Series. He was a proud conservative, member of the NRA, and a loyal Fox News viewer. His happiest memories were of numerous trips with his wife and sons throughout all of the United States and most of Canada. He was of the Lutheran faith. He was a generous, wise and loving husband and father. His children will most remember him for the selfless love and care he provided to their mother, Claudette; in the home for the 34 years she was ill and could not care for herself. His life exemplified decency, devotion, honor, and love. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital and the Fulton County Humane Society. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Fishkin, his nurse practioners, and the nurses and medical staff at Illinois Cancer Care; the nurses at Unity Point Health Medical Center ICU on 7Crescent for their compassionate care, and the nurses and staff of Unity Point Hospice for their care and emotional support for the last week of Edward's life. Finally, a very special thank you to Dr. Patrick Renick and his nurses at Graham Medical Clinic for many years of kindness and care as Edward's family physician.
Local services will be 1 pm Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 30, 2018, from 5-7 pm also ½ hour prior to services.
Services will also be 11 am Friday, June 1, 2018 at St. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church in Riverside, IL. Visitation will be ½ hour prior to services.
Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL. To make online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Tributes