Edwin B. Welnicke, age 94, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Laurel Grove Assisted Living.

Edwin was born on August 10, 1927 in Manitowoc to the late Joseph and Rose (Kellner) Welnicke.  He grew up and attended school in Manitowoc.  On August 27, 1949, Edwin married Geraldine Bialek at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on May 6, 2022.  Edwin had enlisted and served his country in the United States Navy from October 1945 until August 1946.  He then went on to serve in the United States Naval Reserve from August 1946 until August 1954.  Edwin had worked as a coremaker at Eck Industries for many years until his retirement.

Family was very important to Eddie and he cherished the visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He also had a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews.  Eddie loved working in his yard and garden when he was younger, and taking walks down to the river.

Survivors include Edwin's son, Joseph (Jean) Welnicke, Manitowoc; three grandchildren, Brenda Czekala, Two Rivers; Kelly (Eric) Stahl, Sun Prairie; and Lisa (Dustin) Fahney, Stevens Point; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Susan Bialek, Manitowoc; and Sandra Brandt, Tisch Mills; brother-in-law, Eugene Kriescher, Tisch Mills; also other relatives and friends.  Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose Welnicke; wife, Geraldine; and seven siblings, Alice (James) Blanchard, Joseph (Marie) Welnicke, Paul (Betty Lou) Welnicke, Mary (Ray) Evenson, Frank (Joyce) Welnicke, Ervin (Jean) Welnicke, and Rose (David) LeClair.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Ben Johnson with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

The family would like to thank the staff of Shady Lane and Laurel Grove Assisted Living.  They would also wish to extend a special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all the care and compassion shown to Eddie.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.