Edward Joseph Ruzevick

Edward Joseph Ruzevick, age 97, passed to eternal life on June 23, 2017. He was born on July 22, 1919 in Livingston, Illinois, the youngest of four children, to Gaspar and Julia Rusovich (nee Mikeltic). Edward's parents emigrated from Bratislava, Austria-Hungary in 1907. After graduation from Livingston High School and working in Chicago as a steel inspector helper, Edward enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was stationed at Pearl Harbor and Hill Field in Ogden, Utah. He served his country from September 18, 1941 to October 29, 1945 attaining the grade of Sergeant. His military occupation specialty was Aircraft Dispatcher. His decoration and citations include American Defense, American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Edward was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Zarr at Sacred Heart Church in Livingston, Illinois on January 28, 1950. They were married for nearly 47 years until her passing on November 20, 1996. Edward and Dorothy were blessed with four children and four grandchildren. Edward was a resident of South Holland, Illinois for fifty years. He retired in 1984 after being a welder for the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company for thirty five years. In his free time and during retirement, Edward's hobbies included gardening, hunting, golfing, cooking, baking, and making wine and beer. He enjoyed these activities through his late eighties. A visitor to his house would always leave with some kind of homemade treat - a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, home grown tomatoes or a quart of pickles. He also enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren in California and Florida. Edward lived a life of simplicity comprised of a strong work ethic and providing for and enjoying his family. He wanted a good life for his children, expecting them to do well in school, be responsible in the home, attend college, have a worthwhile career and provide for themselves and their families. Edward was a humble and kind father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed. Edward was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in South Holland, Illinois. He lived in his home in until age 95, then he moved to assisted living at Holland Home. Edward very much enjoyed the staff and caregivers of Holland Home. He was very active in daily exercise classes and took daily walks outdoors up until two months before his passing. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy and his siblings Frances (late Glen) Hitchcock, Steve (late Helen) Ruzevich and John Ruzevich. He is survived by his children Michael (Diane) Ruzevich, Laura (Philip) Valdez, James (Bette) Ruzevick, Linda (Darwin) Eton and grandchildren Dawn (James) Gottberg, Jacob Ruzevick, Ryan (Emily) Eton and Katherine Eton. The family of Edward sincerely thanks the office of Dr Wojciech Ornowski MD and the staff of Holland Home, Villa and Ingalls Memorial Hospital, and special helper Janet Kooy, for their excellent, compassionate care. Visitation for Edward will be held Thursday, June 29 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Smits DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Chapel at 649 East 162nd Street in South Holland. Family eulogies will be given at 4:30 pm with a service at 5pm by Pastor Bob Neuman of Lansing Assembly of God Church. Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 700 East 170th St., South Holland, IL 60473. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, July 22nd at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Time of service is to be determined. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Livingston, IL.