Obituary: Edward Kaupovick, 74, of Chicago

Ed Kaupovick

Obituary: Edward Kaupovick, 74, of Chicago

Edward Patrick Kaupovick of Chicago, Illinois passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023. His remaining days he spent with his loyal companion and sidekick, Nella watchfully at his side.

He returned to Ludington, Michigan with the help of his Kran cousins crew; Denny, Becky, Mary Anne, and Ross who helped to ensure he would be comfortable. He remained kind, with an enormous gift for pranks along with a wry wit. He smiled and quietly quietly with every nurse and assistant that came to the house. He found it appropriate that in his last days, every day, two to three “beautiful women come, just to see me,” in his own words.

Edward was born in Manistee to Helen Kaupovick on April 17, 1949. He spent many happy summers with his maternal grandparent’s on their Free Soil farm, helping with the primary crop of potatoes and cabbage.

He attended Sayre Grammar School in Chicago, briefly attended Grand Rapids Public Schools. During which time he proudly shared with his Chicago friends he was a “safety officer.” Returning to Chicago, he graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1967.

Briefly, Edward became a postal worker, and delivered mail, following in his Uncle Wally’s footsteps.

In 1969, Edward joined the U.S. Army Reserve and became a cook. He shared this with us as his ultimate food tip: Add mayo to the mashed potatoes!

He completed his education in architectural drafting while in the reserves. He began working on large industrial and commercial warehouses. He obtained his fire safety endorsement and began to design sprinkler systems for these same buildings, eventually opening his own company. In 1976, he left the Army as his six year obligation was completed.

The military life remained his calling and in the same year, 1976, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. He was a trained loadmaster. In his career he had stops at literally every military airfield on every continent. His missions varied from transporting military equipment and supplies to war zones to transporting top officers, VIPs, and even entertainers to USO shows. He continued with Navy Reserves until 1997.

Edward was especially proud of his Lithuanian heritage and often spoke of one very special trip with his cousin and uncle. His uncle spent many summers in Lithuanian and introduced these two new generations of Lithuanians to new family members, locations, and traditions. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip especially since it was traveled together. What was especially meaningful to Ed was that when he met some of his relatives who were growing potatoes just as his grandparents had.

When he retired from the Navy he purchased an enormous truck, and an even more enormous-ER trailer. Then, along with his loving companion, Lorraine Attilla, and their faithful dog Nella, they traveled extensively across the United States. They enjoyed spending summers in the trailer back on the family farm in Michigan.

Ed is survived by Lorraine; their “sweet Nella;” , the Kran Cousins, Yanusz Cousins, cousins in Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois, and many, many friends.

Ed was generous, kind, and had a genuinely sweet heart. Chances are good that if an item had been made anytime between now and 1900, Ed probably had one…or 14 of said needed item. We will miss his laugh, ability to find any treasure, and his stories.

A memorial service will be held with military honors at Custer Township Riverside Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. A reception will be following at the Custer VFW immediately following the graveside services.

Memorial Contribution may be made in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Michigan.