Major (Retired) Edward George Pekowski

Edward George Pekowski had a passion for flying airplanes ever since he watched them soar across the sky in his youth. He passed to eternity surrounded by his loving family on Friday January 19, 2024. He was born to Edward Joseph and Hazel Mary Ann (Ray) Pekowski in Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Adele (Moretti). Ed attended St. Michael Catholic High School in Chicago, Illinois, where he was on his high school rowing team. The team docked their boat on Lake Michigan. After graduation in 1956 Ed enlisted in Cadet school of the U.S. Air Force with the goal of becoming a pilot. He went to Flight training school where he said "better" pilots than him "washed out." He got his wings and eventually trained future fighter pilots. He was a Vietnam veteran, flying 30 combat missions over enemy targets in the F-105. Major Pekowski earned 4 Air Medals, a Commendation Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal. He retired after a distinguished career of over 22 years. Ed and Adele were high school sweethearts. They moved many times in their married life, starting out in Chicago, then moving to Mississippi, Guam Island, Japan, Michigan, Texas, Manitoba (Canada), Kansas, and finally back to Texas again, landing in Lubbock at the end of his career. After military retirement Ed flew corporate and charter air planes. Ed was an avid camper and outdoorsman. He and Adele trekked across most of the United States, including a trailer trip from the lower 48 through the Canadian Yukon and into Alaska. Ed has 2 sisters who preceded him in death, Rosemary Karlovits and Sr. Pauline Pekowski. He is survived by 2 siblings, Raymond J. Pekowski and JoAnn Glascott. Ed and Adele share 12 children in the following order; Edward Joseph Pekowski II married to Mary (Ramos), Raymond P. Pekowski married to Lynda (Sorensen), Karen Jones married to Terrye, Pamela Hassink married to Paul, Robert M. Pekowski married to Shirley (Palencia), Michael J.Pekowski, Jennifer Melnick married to Rick, Loretta Alterman married to Frank, Susan Englerth married to Corey, Thomas Pekowski, John M. Pekowski married to Ya-Li (Chung), Mary Strawser married to Zach. Ed has 47 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. ------------------------ Memorials are suggested to the following: Eternal Word TV Network, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL. 35210-9765 Priests for Life, P.O. Box 236695, Cocoa, FL., 32923 Nurturing Center, 3303 66th St., Lubbock, Texas 79413 National Right to Life, 512 10th St. NW, 25247, Washington, DC. 20004-1401 Human Life International, 4 Family Lane, Front Royal, VA. 22630-9865 Catholic League, 450 7th Ave., FL 34, New York, NY. 10117-3125 The American Life League, Stafford, VA. 22555-9986 American Center for Law and Justice, P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC. 20090-0555 The Coming Home Network, P.O. Box 8290, Zanesville, OH. 43702-9929 Family visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Home on January 25, 2024 6pm. to 7pm. Rosary Services will be 7pm. in Sanders Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am., January 26, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Catholic University Parish. Please celebrate the life of Edward by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com.

Major (Retired) Edward George Pekowski

October 7, 1936 - January 19, 2024