Edward Pawlowski

Edward J. Pawlowski, age 84, passed peacefully at home on May 18, 2026, in Bristol, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family and the many memories he helped create over a lifetime well lived.

Ed was born on December 30, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Stephanie Pawlowski. At the age of 12, after his father’s passing, he moved with his mother and two sisters from Chicago to Calumet City, Indiana. He remained especially close to his grandparents, who lived in Kankakee, Illinois, and he treasured the many summers he spent with them.

Not long after graduating from high school, Ed met Sandra Hilbrich, and the two were married on November 23, 1963. Sandra was his devoted wife and constant companion for 62 years, and their marriage was the foundation of a life filled with love, loyalty, and shared adventure. Together they built a beautiful family and a home that welcomed children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

Ed and Sandy lived in Cedar Lake, Indiana, for a time, then briefly in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, before returning to Indiana and later settling in Bradley, Illinois. They made Bradley their home for 50 years, from 1972 until 2022. In 2022, they moved to Bristol, Illinois, to be closer to their daughters and extended family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sandra; his daughters, Rebecca Kidd and her husband John of Sandwich, Illinois, and Tammy Sartain and her husband Scott of Oswego, Illinois; six grandchildren, Morgan Anderson and her husband Tyler, Scott Sartain and his wife Katie, James Kidd, Danny Kidd, Jesse Kidd and his wife Shannon, and Jason Kidd and his wife Evelyn; and ten great-grandchildren, Trace and Lenora Anderson, Arnie, Ruthie and Marlie Sartain, Jameson Kidd, Johnny and Joanna Kidd, and Jason, Jr. and Lily Kidd. He is also survived by his sisters, Dianne Kiser of St. John, Indiana, and Joanna Papa of St. Michael, Minnesota, along with many nephews and nieces scattered throughout Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and one great-grandson.

Ed worked hard throughout his life and took great pride in providing for his family. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he owned and operated Performance Marine, Ltd. on Cedar Lake during the summer months, where he worked on boats for local residents. During that time, he also worked the midnight shift at Cooper Jarrett in Hinsdale, Illinois, then drove to the marina to work during the day, often sleeping only a few hours each night. He kept that demanding schedule for years so he could support his passion for boat racing, a testament to his determination and tireless work ethic.

In the spring of 1982, Ed began driving a semitruck for Philips Industries. He remained there for more than 30 years before retiring, and during those years he received several over-the-road safety awards. He was known for his careful driving and for the words he often shared with family and friends as they left his home: “Be careful driving.”

Ed’s hobbies were a lifelong source of joy and excitement. He loved drag racing on water and on land, and boating and water skiing soon grew from weekend activities into true passions. He served as president of the board of the Midwest Bracket Boat Association, Inc., where he helped organize and announce boat races at the Momence Anchor Club on the Kankakee River. His strong voice was well suited to calling races over the roar of engines, and he and Sandy both raced flat-bottom jet boats, earning trophies and recognition in the local newspaper.

In 1990, Ed’s racing interests shifted from boats to drag cars, something he had enjoyed on the back roads in Indiana before he met Sandy. He spent many weekends at US41 Drag Strip in Morocco, Indiana, racing his 1979 Camaro and his 1964 Chevy Chevelle. He and Sandy traveled to races throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky over the years, and even their dog carried the fitting name Racer. As the years went on, his vehicles became a little slower, but his enthusiasm never faded. He took great pleasure in attending car shows in their 1955 Chevy Bel-Air, and he and Sandy won many trophies for best in show.

In recent years, Ed and Sandy enjoyed traveling in their RV coach and covering much of the United States. For the past 11 years, they were Florida snowbirds, where they made many friends from across the United States and Canada. While wintering in LaBelle, Florida, they enjoyed bean-bag baseball and card bingo, and Ed’s booming voice made him the perfect caller for bingo games. During the summer months, they spent time at their home-away-from-home at Bee Spring Lodge in Benton, Kentucky, where they had camped since the early 1970s. Their summers on Kentucky Lake became treasured family traditions, especially as the grandchildren grew older and memories were made on the water, at the quarry, and all around the campground.

Ed also loved camping at Kankakee River State Park and visiting Petenwell Lake in Friendship-Adams, Wisconsin, where he spent time at his daughter’s cabin. He often joked that the RV coach did not like traveling north, only south to warmer weather. He and Sandy also included Corvettes in their fleet of vehicles, and they eventually gifted each daughter with one of their Corvettes for their 40th birthdays, a gesture that reflected both their generosity and their desire to share joy with their children.

Ed was happiest when he had a steering wheel in his hand, a highway in front of him, and Sandy beside him. He loved driving cars, RVs, and even golf carts, and if he was not driving, he was cleaning and caring for whatever vehicle he owned. Every vehicle he touched was kept in immaculate condition, a reflection of the pride he took in everything he did. He leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and unforgettable adventures.

Edward Pawlowski will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his passion for speed and travel, and the steady presence he provided to all who knew him. His life was one of motion, purpose, and deep affection, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

In Ed’s honor, all donations given to the family will be directed to local high school auto shop classes.

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