Howard L. Edwards Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Howard Edwards, 75, of Aurora, IL passed on to a better life at Accent Care Hospice surrounded by his family on Sunday May 29th, 2022. He was born January 15, 1947 in Aurora, IL. Howie graduated from Marmion Academy 1965 and studied Industrial Arts at Northern Illinois University in 1969. He married the love of his life Barbara (Michels) on July 24, 1971. Howard retired from 30 years of teaching industrial arts at Naperville School District 203 where he taught thousands of students the art of woodworking and carpentry. Prior to his career in Naperville, Howard also taught in the West Aurora School District 129. After his teaching career he spent many happy years working at Ace Hardware on Lake street in Aurora. He also enjoyed coaching football. A master craftsman of anything made of wood (from furniture to lamps, clocks, and toys) his skill in the fine art of woodworking touched thousands. Howard participated in countless crafts shows, displaying his creations which could be enjoyed by all. Howard was very active in the Scouting program at St Joseph’s in Aurora, where he served as Scoutmaster in both the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. His service to scouting provided boys experience in leadership, outdoors, and teamwork. His volunteerism also extended to his beloved Marmion Academy where he was sought out for his woodworking expertise on various projects throughout the years. He provided hundreds of students with their Kairos crosses for their annual retreats. While teaching, volunteering, and woodworking were his profession and hobbies, his family was his true love and passion. He and his wife Barbara recently celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary. His three sons were his pride and joy. When his grandchildren were born, he began expanding his talents to “Super Grandpa,” much to their delight. Howard is survived by his wife Barbara (Michels); sons Michael (Trinity), Thomas (Hilary), James (Rachel); as well as his seven grandchildren – Links, Eren, Ava, Nathan, Ryan, Lincoln, and Skylar. He is also survived by this sister Diane Loftus Parker; brothers-in-law Gregory Michels (Mary), Douglas Michels (Susan), Peter Michels (Kris), Micheal Reinke (Patti); and sisters-in-law Kathy Ingraham, and Katherine Michels; as well as many nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Louise (Einsiedel) and his sister Joan Heriaud, sister-in-law Jane Reinke and brother-in-law Mark Michels, and Robert Ingraham. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers at Copley Hospital, Nothwestern Medical Center, Alden Rehab Center, and Accent Care Hospice. Their exceptional compassionate care eased Howard’s journey as he returned to our Lord. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions in Howard’s name may be made to Marmion Academy, St Joseph Catholic Church, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. Visitation will be on Friday, June 10, 2022 at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N Lake St., Aurora 630-631-5500 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, with prayer service at 6:45pm. A Funeral Mass from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 9:30am to St. Joseph’s Church, 722 High St. in Aurora at 10am. Burial will be held afterwards at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 278 Ashland Ave, Aurora.

Howard L. Edwards

January 15, 1947 - May 29, 2022