Edward Raymond Gerut
April 30, 1929 - August 31, 2021

"I'm happy to be here!" It was the resounding answer when any of us would ask, "How are you, Dad?" Ed was grateful for the love of his beautiful wife, proud of the accomplishments of his three sons, delighted to serve his country and his community, overjoyed when he was able to get together with his family, his grandchildren, and friends. Ed was always present in the moment and felt every single one a gift to be savored.

Born in Chicago, IL on April 30. 1929 to Stanley and Wanda Gerut, Edward Raymond Gerut was the second of three children. He had an older brother, Stanley, and younger sister, Dorothy. His father was the sole proprietor of a plumbing repair business, where he grew up helping him on calls. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the Army and landed in Germany as a military police officer where he had many fond memories of his service. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he prepared to enter college on the GI Bill, when tragedy struck his family. The victim of a sudden stroke, his father passed away leaving Ed to carry on the family business and support his mother. Ultimately giving his three boys what he himself was denied and putting them all through college became the proudest accomplishment of his life.

Ed loved to dance and sing and attend evenings at the classic Chicago ballrooms like the Aragon, the Trianon and The Broadway. He enjoyed telling stories about how he and his friends belonged to the 41-11 Club, and how they got together every Friday and Saturday night to drink and dance to the big bands like Harry James, Glenn Miller and Ella Fitzgerald. He loved being a part of the 41-11 Club where they'd dance the whole night away with every girl in attendance and then . . . he met Dolores (Cookie) Kuksta. Ed and Cookie met in 1954. She was working for the airlines at the time but had volunteered to help a friend at a flower shop during the busy Easter rush. Ed Gerut walked in to buy flowers and Cookie said it was love at first sight. They were married in 1957 and have been inseparable ever since.

Ed and Cookie lived with their three boys in Evergreen Park and then Palos Heights where all three boys attended Marist High School. Ed's entrepreneurial spirit never waned. He eventually he left the plumbing trade for work in real estate investment, he owned a fast-food establishment and then became a real estate broker. In 1975, he and Cookie decided to move to Arizona. He continued to sell real estate. He helped Cookie set herself up in a travel agency and this created the opportunity for them to develop a passion for cruising. They spent the next thirty years racking up sea miles visiting destinations around the globe.

Ed didn't know any strangers. He was quick to start up a conversation with anyone. His charming style made him the toast of any gathering. After retirement, Ed volunteered for 14 years at the Mayo Clinic, ushering patients to and from their appointments and making them feel comfortable with his ease of manner and friendly disposition. Ed was the type of man that felt like he was placed on this earth to serve his community and he took great joy in doing so. Though he had given up his plumbing trade years before, he was always known to save the day if friend or stranger were in need.

Ed is survived by the great loves of his life. His devoted wife of 64 years, Dolores (Cookie), his spirited sons, Edward and his wife Diana, David, and James and his wife Julie, his brother-in-law Norbert Kuksta and his wife Joanne, and his beloved grandchildren who refer to him as "The Wonderful One," Danny, Christy, Emma, Annie and Charlie. His memory will linger in their hearts and be recounted in their stories for generations. Ed took his mantra with him wherever he went. "I'm happy to be here!" And his beautiful spirit, kind heart and delightful disposition will be deeply missed by all who held him dear.

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