Edwin J. Sienkiewicz

Sienkiewicz, Edwin J. Died peacefully on January 24th at age 95. Ed was born in Milwaukee on June 29, 1919 to Stanley and Stella (Gorski), both Polish immigrants. After losing his mother when he was 16, he began work delivering groceries and sweeping the family tavern while attending Bay View High school, where he met his sweetheart, Jane Rehfeld, who was to become his wife of 70 years. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he was able to graduate from Marquette University with the help of the GI Bill. He became a bank examiner and then for almost three decades a department supervisor at NML Insurance. After retiring in 1979, he worked as a volunteer at St. Luke's and VA Hospitals. He will be remembered by his family as a loving father who was blessed with a sharp wit, an encyclopedic memory and optimistic spirit. He had a strong faith but worshiped quietly, teaching us by his example how to live a good life. A lover of music, he sang along to "Stardust" for the last time a few days before his death, calling it "the greatest love song ever written". He is survived by daughters Sally Short and Ellen Greb of Madison, son Paul of Milwaukee, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Jane, his sister Vi and brothers Jerry and Richard. Ed and his family owe many thanks to the kind staff at The Elizabeth Residence in Bayside and The Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa for their attentive care and compassion. It was his wish that any memorials be made to St. Mary's Parish in Hales Corners where he was a member for 60 years and in whose cemetery he and Jane will rest side-by-side. A private gathering of his close family will be held in his honor.