Edward A. "Ed" Wrzesien, 54

Edward A. "Ed" Wrzesien, 54, an active member of his church and community, died surrounded by family and friends on Monday Nov. 8, 2004 after a long battle against cancer. He was born to Edward and Mary on Aug. 7, 1950, in Buffalo, N.Y.

Ed was stationed in Great Falls in 1970 during his Air Force service, where he met his future wife. He married Karen Myers on May 15, 1971, before serving our country in Korea. He and his wife then resided in Buffalo, and moved to Whitefish in 1980, where their son Edward David was born.

Ed worked for American Timber for four and a half years and the Post Office for 16 years.

He was the director of the St. Charles Church Children's Choir, a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Disabled Veterans.

He was a musician, fisherman, rockhound, loyal friend and devout family man. He enjoyed reading, travel, nature, sports and playing guitar.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Tellegen.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Edward; sister, Geraldine; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, countless relatives and friends, and his special extended family at Dr. Goodman's office.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 1 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 9, followed by a Christian wake service at 7 p.m. at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish, with Rev. Charles Roman officiating. Burial will follow at St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

Memorials may be made to Wings or Hospice of Flathead County, or, to Ed's preference, The American Cancer Society, Attention: Relay for Life.