Obituary of Edward Earl "Ed" Nicholson

Edward Earl “Ed” Nicholson, born October 4, 1955, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the age of 67, surrounded by family.

Ed was born in Joliet, Illinois, son of the late Donald and Lois (née White) Nicholson.  He is also preceded in death by his sister Mary.  Survived by his sister, Joan (Brian) Smolinski, niece Tricia (James) Feffer and their daughter Emily, and all his kids and grandkids.

Ed was dad to three, Dustin (Lindsey) Nicholson, Derek (Johrie) Nicholson and Kiley (Brian) Shea, and he loved his seven grandchildren dearly, Maddux, Mason, Dylan, Rosaleigh, Murphy, Myles and Rhett.

Ed had a love for music that was passed on to his kids and grandkids, too.  They have fond memories growing up of him playing his guitar as they sat in amazement.  Ed was almost always listening to the blues and particularly loved songs by Stevie Ray Vaughan and long guitar riffs.

Ed worked as a union electrician for IBEW Local #176 for 22 years before retiring from the trade.  One thing he knew how to do well was build things and retiring never stopped him, as he helped many friends and family members in his spare time. 

Ed was very social and had many close friends over the years, from his time spent boating on the Illinois River and at Mariners Marina in Seneca, IL, to being part of the American Legion and Plainfield Moose Lodge. 

Ed was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for many years and served as Governor of the Plainfield Moose Lodge #2491 for several years, too.  He dedicated a great deal of time to the family fraternity and especially loved spending long days roasting whole pigs and making corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day, something he enjoyed doing alongside his father.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Memorial Services at 12:00 p.m. at Fred C Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet.  Following the Memorial Service, there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 12 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Plainfield Moose Lodge #2491, 16310 S Lincoln Hwy., Suite 100, Plainfield, IL.

Flowers are welcomed, or donations in his name to Mooseheart Child City & School through Moose Charities would be appreciated as well.

For 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.