Edward F. Canisius passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on June 21, 2025 at Sheboygan Senior Community. He was born June 2, 1931, in Sheboygan. He was the eldest child of Meta Richter and Edward C. Canisius.
He spent his 94 years in Sheboygan. He attended Trinity School and graduated from Central High School in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1949-1953. During that time he met Marjorie Souza. They married in Rumford, RI on February 6, 1954 immediately returning to Sheboygan.
Ed retired from Schultz Sav-O Stores as a grocery buyer on June 30, 1993. Prior to that he was employed at Silverstone’s Clothiers, Art Imig’s and the Heinz Corporation.
Ed’s family and faith were the two most important aspects of his life. Family and faith are what made him tick.
He was a longtime member of Our Savior’s where he fulfilled many roles. He taught Sunday School, attended Bible study routinely, was an usher and an ushering mentor to many teams of youth ushers, including all 4 of his grandsons, which made him very proud. More recently, he took it upon himself to be a secular “Welcome Wagon” man at church. Before services he would walk down the center aisle, shaking hands or giving a pat on the back with that welcoming smile…..almost as if he was welcoming people into his own home.
In his spare time, Ed enjoyed watching his 7 grandchildren in their sports, musical concerts and equestrian competitions. He also was a great storyteller. He could tell a great joke before you even realized it was a joke and his infamous one-liners and phrases affectionately known as “Papa-isms” were always handy. Ed also enjoyed music of many different genres particularly Big Band music. It wasn’t unusual to find him dancing with one of his daughters or Marge when the music moved him.
His favorite holiday was Christmas. He loved the holiday music and watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” over and over and over….!! We all enjoyed his holiday glögg and Russian sausage. He was extremely proud of his German-Russian heritage. He had a wonderful childhood growing up with his older German-Russian Richter uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marge; his three children, Kim (Joseph) Canisius-Hemsing, Lisa (Todd) Smith and Tracy (Arni) Canisius; his 7 grandchildren, Ryan (Jamie), Justin (Ashlee), Matthew (fiancée Emma), Christopher, Alivia (John Utech), Arianna (Daz Towers) and Greta. His grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren were a constant source of joy. Ed is also survived by cousins.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Meta and Edward Canisius and a sister, Margaret Locke along with cousins, aunts and uncles.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 917 Mead Avenue, Sheboygan. Relatives and friends may visit at 10:00 until the time of service at noon with Pastor James Schulz officiating.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sheboygan Senior Community for their kindness and care shown to Ed, with special thanks to Ed’s buddy, Austin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Ed’s honor.
Burial following service at Lutheran Cemetery.
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