MICHIGAN CITY - Edward Homer Switalski Sr., 79, of Mundelein, IL, formerly of Yuma, AZ, and the LaPorte/Michigan City/South Bend area passed away on May 29, 2007, in Mundelein.

Mr. Switalski was born January 26, 1928, in Hammond, IN, to the late Joseph Stanley Switalski and Olive Bowen Dawson. On June 9, 1973, he married Carol Houser Switalski, who survives him in Mundelein. In addition to his wife, Carol, he is survived by four daughters, Janet Aleman of Rio Rancho, NM, Judy (Roy) Regalado of LaPorte, Rebecca L. Patz and Karen (Dennis) Ashcraft, both of Michigan City; and five sons, Edward H. Jr. of LaPorte, Jonathan C. of Michigan City, Gregory P. (Vicki) of Elkhart, Scot T. (Beth) of Indianapolis and Eric A. (Ilene) of Mundelein. Also surviving are a brother, Roland (Bonnie) Switalski of South Bend; two sisters-in-law, Ruth E. Switalski of South Bend and Joyce Rex of Mottville, MI; a brother-in-law, Donald E. (Beth) Houser of Pennsylvania; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents were three brothers, Robert, Joseph and Donald, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Mr. Switalski spent most of his childhood years in the South Bend/Mishawaka area before moving to Michigan City, working at the Indiana State Prison and then Bethlehem Steel. He was a union steward at LaPorte Transit where he was employed until retiring to Yuma, AZ. He lived in Yuma for 18 years until recently moving to Mundelein. Mr. Switalski had made the decision while living in Yuma to donate his body upon his death for medical research purposes through Science Care at the University of Arizona. His directions have been followed and a private interment service will take place at a time when his cremains are returned to his wife, Carol.

Published in the South Bend Tribune on 6/8/2007.