Edward B. Drygalski

On Thursday morning, April 27, Edward Drygalski, devoted husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 86, in the company of his loving family. His passing leaves behind, Lucy, the love of his life and wife of 65 years, and children, Diane Delury, Linda Drygalski, Adam Drygalski and Ava Vance, as well as grandchildren, Jaclyn Wood, Kayla Vance, Zachary Vance, E.J. (Edward) Vance and great grandson, Joshua Wood.  He was preceded in death by his three older siblings, Frederick Drygalski, Janina Sawicki, and Theresa Golus. 

Ed was born on March 1, 1937, in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The events of WW2 temporarily dispersed his siblings, and after locating one another again, they were sponsored by an American family on an Iowa farm, and immigrated to the U.S. when he was 14 years old. He attended high school in Brighton, Iowa, where he learned to master the English language and thrived in a wealth of friendships and activities. 

Ed had personality, natural charisma and an infectious smile. After graduating high school, he joined his older siblings in Detroit and enjoyed being part of the Polish community.  It was there he met his soul mate, Lucy, on a blind date. They found they had much in common, both surviving WW2 Poland as children and living in German orphanages. They enjoyed going to dances together and became perfect dance partners, winning numerous dance contests in the area. They also became perfect life partners, and were married August 31, 1957.

Life and dreams led the family to Wisconsin in 1968, where they bought a dairy farm in Marathon, WI, and enjoyed a country life, until they found their perfect forever home at the base of Rib Mountain in Wausau in 1973. 

Family was everything to Ed and Lucy and nothing came before raising their children in a loving environment. Every day, supper time was quality family time, accompanied by stories of the day, parental advice and lots of laughter. 

Ed learned to play table tennis as a child in a German orphanage, and developed a passion for it later in life.  He regularly attended tournaments in Chicago where he typically won and brought home 1st place trophies.  Ed worked with Long Le and the late Jim Weiland of Wausau when the three of them founded the Wausau Table Tennis Club. He was most passionate about this venture and loved being part of its launch.  Ed was also an avid golfer, could shoot a mean game of pool, and loved to play his harmonica.

Despite his health challenges during the following years, Ed never lost his capacity for love, laughter and his natural ability to engage those around him.  He was a man of true compassion and integrity.  His passing has left an unfillable gap in the hearts of all those who know and love him.  His memory will be engrained in our hearts forever.

Join Ed’s family for the Celebration of his Life at Restlawn Memorial Park, 235962 N. Troy Street, Wausau, on Friday, May 26, from 11am until 1pm. A burial Service will follow.  Casual seasonal attire is welcome and preferred for this occasion.