Date of death: 10/17/2008
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1954
The Reverend Edward J. Bawiec, 83, a resident of Manor Court, Peru, formerly of Oglesby, died at Manor Court.He was born Jan. 21, 1925, in Oglesby to Frank and Antoinette (Parat) Bawiec.He served with the U.S. Army in France during World War II.Father Ed was ordained June 6, 1954, in Peoria and celebrated his first Mass at Holy Family Church, Oglesby. He was assistant pastor at St. Anthony’s, Atkinson; and Holy Cross, Mendota. He was pastor at St. Mary’s, DePue; St. Anne’s, East Moline; Queen of the Holy Rosary, LaSalle; Immaculate Conception, Streator; and St. Valentine, Peru. He received his senior priest status and pastor emeritus in 1997. He was chaplain of the Oglesby Elks and Catholic War Veterans.He was a frequent contributor to the LaSalle NewsTribune’s religion section.He also was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus.He is survived by his nieces and nephews.Memorials may be directed to Holy Family School Endowment Fund, St. Valentine Church or St. Margaret’s Hospice.Information obtained from the Peoria Journal Star online, www.pjstar.com.