Edmund J. Brongiel

EDMUND J. BRONGIELAge, 65, of Sugar Grove, formerly of Big Rock, died unexpectedly Friday, September 3, 2004 at his home following a sudden illness.He was born May 12, 1939 in Chicago, IL, the son of Edmund and Stella (Bragel) Brongiel.Edmund grew up in the city and graduated from Tilden Tech High School on Chicago’s south side. Following graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Army, near the close of the Viet Nam War. Returning home to Chicago, he took a job at Western Electric as an accountant. It was a good job and Edmund stayed with Western Electric, moving into management positions as the company became AT&T. Western Electric was good for another reason; it was where Edmund met the love of his life, Dorothy Wilcek. She was part of the secretarial pool and they had to keep their romance quiet until 1969 when they were united in marriage on February 15 at St. Leonard’s Church, Berwyn, IL. They settled in Palos Hills, IL where their two children, Nicole and Brian were born. In 1976, they brought their young family to Big Rock. Dorothy had the home she wanted and Ed had five acres of grass to mow; something he longed for, having grown up in the city. On February 11, 1998, Dorothy passed away after successfully battling leukemia for seven years. Following her death, Edmund continued to care for the family home until 2002, when he let go of his mowing chores and moved to a town home in Sugar Grove. MEMBERSHIP He was a member of St. Gall Church, Elburn, as well as the Elmhurst American Legion and the St. Charles Moose Lodge. LIFE NOTES Edmund was a devoted husband and father. A hard working provider with a work ethic he instilled not only in his children, but in those who worked with him at AT&T. As his son followed him in the communications industry, he constantly encountered those who had known, and loved his dad. That kind of quiet honor is a legacy afforded to few in these times.When Edmund wasn’t mowing his lawn, he was detailing his wife’s white convertible. It was her car to drive, but his pride always kept it beautiful for her. Friday nights, he enjoyed going to a Fish Fry, either at the Sugar Grove Legion or the Moose Lodge. Saturday morning belonged to his kids and both of them remember going to the restaurant with dad for hearty breakfast every Saturday. Edmund was an outgoing man who made friends everywhere he went and he will be missed by many. SURVIVORS – Edmund is survived by two children:One daughter, Nicole (Eric) Laughridge, of Plainfield andTheir soon-to-be born son (expected in October)And one son: Brian J. (Kelly) Brongiel, also of Plainfield, ILOne brother, Gerald (Connie) Brongiel And their son, Edmund Brongiel, all of Yorkville.And a host of former co-workers and friends.PRECEDEDHe is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Dorothy.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2004 from 4-8pm at Conley Funeral Home 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Wake services will conclude the evening at 8pm. An hour of visitation will be held Thursday morning at St. Gall Church from 10am until 11am. Edmund’s funeral mass will follow Thursday morning, September 9 at 11am at St. Gall Church, Rt. 47 and Shannon Street, Elburn. The Rev. Fr. Karl Ganss will officiate. A memorial has been established in his name to benefit cancer research. Memorial gifts may simply be made in his name and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held at St. Gall Cemetery, Elburn.