Obituary of Edward J. Holba
Age 76, of Joliet, IL and formerly Oak Forest, IL passed from this life Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL.
He was born December 7, 1944 in Chicago, IL to the late Frances (nee Robak) and John Holba. Ed was raised in Evergreen Park, IL and was a graduate of Brother Rice High School. He then served his Country in the U.S. Army and, after being honorably discharged, continued his education at the University of Illinois-Chicago, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree there and ultimately a Master’s degree from Chicago State University.
Always willing to serve, Ed worked as police officer for Oak Forest Police Dept., Oak Forest Park District, and for Willow Springs Police Dept. He was also director of Security for Grabill and Director of Safety for Freeman Corporation.
Ed was a member of the NRA, Safari Club International, American Legion, the Scottish Rite, Special Agents Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He was a competitive marksman and an NRA Instructor. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to go fishing and hunting. He enjoyed jewelry making that incorporated genuine gemstones and pearls. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.
He is the beloved husband of JoAnn (nee Evans) Holba; loving father of Peg (Jeff) Herald and Jeanne (Christopher) Puacz; adoring grandpa “Dzia Dzia” of Megan and Jillian Herald and Zoey, Declan, and Phoebe Puacz; and dear brother of Peg (Dick) Achter.
Visitation for Ed will be Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington) from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, October 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
For those who prefer, memorials in his name can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
