MADISON – Edwin R. Wright, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, in Middleton. He was born on Jan. 26, 1925, in Madison, the son of Edwin and Rose (Schwarz) Wright. Ed proudly served in the United States Air Force, in the Pacific during World War II. After the war he met the love of his life, Julia Gertrude Skolaski. He also became a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., where he received his steamfitters certification.

Ed and Julia were married on July 5, 1948, at St. James Catholic Church. Ed spent many hours repairing commercial refrigeration equipment for businesses that were often in a panic. In his early years he worked for the Kroger Company, spending a lot of time on the road. His final job, which lasted for many years, was with Messner Inc. of Madison.

Ed offered his time and talents to St. James Church and St. Martin House with time in the kitchen, equipment maintenance, ushering and reading the Epistle. He volunteered with the Boy Scout troop there, and was active in the Madison Knights of Columbus. Ed was also a member of the United Association of Pipefitters.

He enjoyed nature, volleyball, golfing, bowling and playing cards. Ed especially loved to take car trips with the kids, narrating, as he drove, details of the many sights of Wisconsin. Even with his strong work ethic, Ed always made time for his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Julia; his children, Jeffrey, Duane (Nora), Lyle (Suzie), Darrell (Terry), Randy (Julie), Laura, Donna (Ted Flessas) Blackstone, Becky (John) Geppert and Lela, who was like a daughter to him; 16 grandchildren, Ben, Molly, Christopher, Kirby, Isabelle, Lela, Andy, Ashley, Tony, Kelsie, Brad, Melissa, Charlie, Calvin, Emma and Julia; 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother, Bill (Dolores); sister, Elaine; sisters-in-law, Cathy and Betty Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Don, Norm and Stan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, where full military honors will be held.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rest Haven Nursing Home for their compassionate care.

“His sense of humor was priceless and the punch line was always accompanied by a smile!”

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Edwin Wright

January 26, 1925 - January 16, 2015

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