Edward Donald (Ed) Main, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Ed was a lifetime Madisonian. He was born in 1937 to Edwin and Martha Main (Dettmann). He graduated from West High School and went on to attend UW-Madison, where he received bachelor’s degrees in economics and law and his JD (juris doctorate). He served briefly in the Army National Guard. He spent his entire career working for the State of Wisconsin, starting at the then Department of Conservation (now known as the Department of Natural Resources), but spent most of his career as an attorney for the Department of Administration and served as the Chair of the Deferred Compensation Board since the Board’s creation until stepping down at the age of 79. He enjoyed his work with the State of Wisconsin so much that he returned as a Limited Term Employee continuing his work as an attorney for Employee Trust Funds for an additional 14 years after his retirement. He loved classical music, and was an avid reader, runner, and Badgers and Packers fan.

He is survived by his loving wife Jean; two daughters Laurie Palchik (Brad) and Cindy Main; two stepchildren, Kris Hale (Stephen) and Brack Hale; two grandchildren, Dylan Palchik (Keri) and Amber Graffin (Scott); and two great grandchildren, Killian Palchik and Lincoln Graffin. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Jordan (Robert) and his half-brothers Greg Main (Robin) and Ron Main (Signe).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice in Ed’s name.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Gardens Chapel, 7302 Mineral Point Rd, Madison. Brief committal prayers will begin at 2:00 p.m.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Edward Main

January 15, 1937 - December 11, 2023

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