Edmund Pingel

Edmund Pingel, age 79, of Maple Park, IL, passed away Tuesday morning, April 27, 2004 at Bethany Healthcare, DeKalb where he had recently been admitted following two major surgeries. A true man-of-iron to the end, Ed never complained, but continued, day by day until the "home-bound train" came for him. Although he spent his life repairing farm machinery, his love was the railroad. From his apartment above Pingel equipment he could see the Union Pacific tracks and hear the roar of the freight trains, day and night. Replicas of those real-life trains, ran on tracks in his apartment where Ed collected HO scale trains.Edmund Pingel was born November 29, 1924 in Arlington Heights, IL the son of John H. and Mabel M. (Mess) Pingel. In the fall of 1940, the family moved to Maple Park, IL. Eddie’s father opened John H. Pingel Implement Co. and Eddie began working there with his brothers, Raymond, Lawrence, John and Wilbur. From the beginning, Ed had an aptitude for welding and for understanding the nature of different metals as well as the workings of machinery. In later years he would be sent to a two week class on welding by the International Harverster company. On the second day, the instructor sent him home saying, "you already know more than I do…" Through the years, people were known to travel over a hundred miles, just to have Ed weld something difficult for them. World War II found Ed in France where he was wounded twice and received a Purple Heart for his valor. In later life, Ed became involved in the Maple Park American Legion Post which was his pride and joy. He gave countless hours of service and enjoyed many good times among friends. His life’s work, however, was repairing farm equipment. In 1968, he and his brother, Wilbur, purchased their father’s business and renamed it, simply: "Pingel Implement Co.". They sold and serviced International Harvester and Allis Chalmers equipment among others. Next to the shop was a little room that became nic named "The Coffee Shop". There, Ed treated customers to a cup of coffee and "International Harvester" refrigerator kept a cold supply of pop and beer. Although Ed had a very private side, he was also very friendly and generous to friends, neighbors and customers. He was volunteer with the Maple Park Fire Department for over forty years. In the winter he plowed out many of his friends, mowed lawns for those who couldn’t and frequently when folks came in with minor repairs, there was never a bill. It was the way "business" was done, friendships were made and kept and life was lived according to Ed Pingel. He is survived by:One sister, Lorraine (Harold) Moehling of Itasca, ILOne brother, John (Melba) Pingel of Ocala, FLTwo sisters-in-law: Dorothy and Juanita Pingel, both of Maple Park, IL Numerous Nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.He is preceded in death by his parents;Three brothers: Raymond, Lawrence, and Wilbur Pingel; and one sister, Eleanor, in infancyA Memorial in the name of Ed Pingel has been established in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Donations will benefit …..(the Maple Park American Legion Post).

Visitation will be held Friday, April 30, 2004 from 4-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at10:30am at the funeral home. The Rev. Kay Dillard, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church, Maple Park, IL will officiate

interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens, DeKalb., IL.