• Visitation- Friday August 11^th 2023 from 4:30-7:30pm
  • HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (9200 S 27^th St, Oak Creek)  
  • Military Honors at 7pm
• Mass- August 12^th 2023 at 11am
  • BLESSED SACRAMENT (3100 S 41st St, Milwaukee)

Edward S. Markunas

On August 7, 2023 Edward Stanley Markunas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after his body could no longer support his life here on earth. Of the many of people who met him throughout his 87 years. The most important of those was his beloved wife Frances “Buzzy.” Though their 57 years of marriage they had good times and bad. They were blessed with two children David (Sarah) and Allison Noble (Steve Kutz). His family was further expanded by three grandchildren Riley Noble, and grandpa’s boy’s Ethan and Noah Markunas. Also, his beloved shadow, his golden retriever, Rusty. The most important part of Ed’s older years was the time spent with his grandchildren. He was so proud of their accomplishments to date and will miss out on many more to come, but always provided them with love and wisdom for their lifetimes ahead.

He expanded many minds throughout his career as an educator at the same high school that he attended. At Pulaski High School many referred to him as Mr. Markunas or Coach. In 1975 he guided his basketball team to the only city title he had while coaching. He maintained contact with many from this team all the way till his death.

In 1993 Ed retired as a teacher and began the work of a tour guide for Country Worldwide tours. Here is where he was able to see the world and spend time with Buzzy going to different parts of the world. That too came to an end, and he went into full time retirement.

Ed’s true love of sports was basketball and racquetball; his mother would not let him play football. He played basketball in high school and College at UWM. When he was drafted into the Army in 1958, he continued playing basketball while stationed in Germany for the Army. He enjoyed telling people that he in fact did serve in Germany with Elvis Presley. Ed played racquetball all the while until his 80^th birthday when he could no longer find anyone his age still willing to play. He was always in attendance to his children and grandchildren’s sporting and dance events.

Throughout his time at UWM he made many live long brothers in the KAPPA fraternity. He still attended breakfast meetings every month with his fraternity brothers right up until his death. He had many lifelong friends form this brotherhood that he cherished.

As the patriarch of the Markunas family he took great joy when there were family events. He was extremely proud of each one of the families’ accomplishments in life and even stepped in to be the grandfather symbol to many members of the family.

His extended family included his sister-in-law Carol Markunas, nieces and nephews, Mark (Michelle), Michelle (Wayne), Lisa (Ken), Renee (Pat), Susan (Sean), Brian (Jody) and all the great nieces and nephews.

Though his marriage he also was loving brother in law to Carol Klancnik and Uncle Eddie to Mary, Julie, Peggy, Amy and Lucy and their families.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Stella. His siblings Frank Jr., Ted, and Audrey. His brothers-in-law Jim Klancnik, and Larry Perry and niece Mary Rafferty. He and Buzzy also lost a child at 3 months into pregnancy and a baby girl who was a still born at the time of birth.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and staff of Aurora St. Lukes for their excellent care they provided to Edward.