Remembering Edward…
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Guy Schrank Jr., a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, Marine and friend, on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 48 years young.
Born on September 22, 1976, Edward was a man of great intelligence, character, kindness, purpose and strength. He grew up in Wildwood, Illinois, (“where he ran that town” according to those in the know) and Wadsworth. Throughout his life, he inspired countless others to be ambitious and undaunted in the face of adversity.
Edward shared 25 years of marriage with his devoted wife, Yoshie, building a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together, they raised a beautiful family, traveled the world, and supported each other through life’s adventures.
From 1996 to 2012, Edward served and excelled as an active-duty Marine. He was featured in the “War and Peace” exhibit at The National Museum of The Marine Corps, named Marine of the Year, and ASTRO Survivor of the Year, was selected as the Honor Graduate seven times in military training, and was meritoriously promoted twice.
Edward went on to serve the community and advocate for veterans in positions that included Assistant to the Mayor of Chicago, Director of Federal Programs; VP of Strategic Planning and Business Development at Fifth Third Bank, and a national ambassador for the Cancer Moonshot initiative established by then-Vice President Biden. He advocated tirelessly for the passage of the PACT Act of 2022, a law that provides health care benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic chemicals in the line of duty.
When cancer threatened to silence him, Edward determined that he would not only learn to speak again, but to sing — and not just in the shower. He set a goal to sing the U.S. national anthem for the NFL. After months of training, Edward went on to perform the anthem for major league baseball, NASCAR, and NFL audiences across the U.S.
Edward is survived by his loving wife, Yoshie; his brilliant children Sora, Eddy III and Lyndon; mother Kathleen Schrank; brothers Chris, Bob and Tim Schrank; mother-in-law Masako Nabeshima; sisters-in-law Tamaki Nishikawa and Hiromi Hida; and brother-in-law Toru Nishikawa. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Guy Schrank Sr.
To know Eddy was to love him — and most likely to get a phone call from him with a challenge to take on some unbelievable adventure. His kindness, warmth, and ability to light up a room left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He had a way of making people feel valued, heard, and truly seen, and his legacy of love will remain in our hearts forever.
A memorial visitation to honor and celebrate Edward’s life will be held on November 22, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. with a service taking place at 7p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60646.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Luke’s Wings and/or Semper Fi & Americas Fund, two of Edward’s favorite organizations, or to contribute to Ed's childrens educational fund on Go Fund Me.
