Edmund G. Banasikowski

Edmund G. Banasikowski, Colonel Polish Army Born April 3, 1914 in Sieldce, Poland. Resided in Milwaukee and Hales Corners, later moved to DeWitt. Died April 3, 2010 in Lansing, Michigan. Retired from Harnischfeger. Preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother in Poland and sister-in-law, Melania Brzozowska. Survived by his beloved wife, Zofia, his children Barbara (Leon) Smith, Richard (Ewa) Banasikowski, grandchildren, Gregory Smith, Julia and Monica Banasikowski, great grandchildren Kayla, Krystal, Michael Smith, nephews Waldek and Andrzej Banasikowski in Poland, Brzozowski family in Milwaukee, beloved friend Cezary Chlebowski and members of Wachlarz, in Poland, Home Army friends, Polish Combatants. Graduated as Polish Officer from Military College for Professional Officers of the Polish Army, served in Home Army, WWII Hero. Decorated with highest honors by Poland and Lech Walesa. He participated in border defense at the outbreak of WWII when Nazis invaded. He was recruited to Offensive Intelligence Unit. His greatest work was in Wachlarz in the resistance organization on the Eastern Front in Wilno. He escaped to Sweden where he later met his wife, a survivor of Ravensbruck concentration camp. He was decorated with the highest Polish Military medal, Virtuti Militari. Having immigrated to Milwaukee, his leadership positions in Polonia were: Established SPK, Polish Combatants Assoc. in Milwaukee, 17 years as President of Polish American Congress Wisconsin State Division, with Congressman Zablocki acquired American government support for Radio Free Europe broadcast to Poland, organized events commemorating Poland�s Millennium resulting in U.S. Postal Service issuing a postage stamp, implemented the creation of Chopin�s bust to be dedicated at Performing Arts Center. He was Member of Board of Directors of Polish American Congress, Polish Affairs Study, National Council of Polish Government in Exile, Correspondent for Radio Free Europe and Echoes from Poland, Wrote book of his war experiences receiving best-seller recognition in London. He was awarded the Order of Poland�s Revival Cavalier Cross and Officer�s Cross from Polish Government in Exile. In 1993 he was awarded the Commander Cross, Poland�s highest award, by President Lech Walesa. He received the Gold Saber of Poland, honored by Pope John Paul II for 40 years of work in Polonia, honored as 60 year member of SPK by President of Polish Veterans of WWII, NY, and honored by Polish American Congress for his political fight for Poland�s independence. Visitation Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 10 -11:45 AM at ST. MARY CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY (9520 W. Forest Home Ave.) with Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery.