Edward Joseph Wilkowski
October 14, 1917 - March 29, 2009
Obituary
Edward Joseph Wilkowski, age 91, passed away Sunday. March 29, 2009 in Normandy Park, WA. Ed was born Oct. 14, 1917 in Milwaukee, WI where he grew up. After high school he became a cabinetmaker, a skill he employed throughout his life. Ed enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII, serving two tours with the 487th Bomb Group as a pilot, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After graduating from University of Detroit with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he took a position at Northwest Airlines, and then The Boeing Co, retiring in 1983. While working at NWA, Ed was introduced to his future wife, Katherine Katie Buckley. They married in 1958 and began their life together in Bellevue, WA where they had two daughters. Ed and Katie moved to Normandy Park shortly before his retirement where he enjoyed gardening, golfing, league bowling, traveling, and being surrounded by his loving family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus volunteered at the USO, and was a charter member and docent at the Museum of Flight. Ed is survived by his wife Katherine; his daughters Kathy Dan Sanford; Carol Gary Bolma; granddaughters Emma, Meaghan, Brenagh Sanford; Kelly and Karianne Bolma; sister Agnes Jeske; sisters-in-law Mary Rose Volberding, Dorothy Buckley, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by granddaughter Caitlin Sanford, brothers John and Frank, niece Anne Kirchgessner, sisters-in-law Alice and Clara, brothers-in-law Harry, Tom, and Robert. Mass will be held on Monday, April 13th at 10:30 at St. Francis Catholic Church: 15226 21st Ave. SW, Burien, WA to be followed by inurnment at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park: 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com
I shared an office on mahogany row at Boeing in 1970 with Ed Wilkowski. We were good friends. We smoked our pipes and had coffee from our thermos bottles. Ed saw a TV show about Peace Corps families and we made a bet and I lost. I joined the Peace Corps as a result of that bet and took my wife and 4 children to Ethiopia when I got laid off at Boeing. Ed was a great person and a good friend.. Leo
To the Family, May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” Psalm 34;18 He has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” Isaiah 25;8 Take care,
Thank you, Daddy.
Love,
Kathy
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Ed through reunions of the 487th Bomb Group. My Dad was also a pilot with the group. I am thankful for and value the lives of all these fine men. Their service and sacrifice is something we should never forget. We owe them so much.
I knew Ed a long time before I met him in Tucson in 1998. My father trained and flew 30 missions with him. We had some great times together at 487th reunions. I’ll cherish the memories and the stories he and my father shared. We will never forget their sacrifice.
On all of our 30 missions, Ed was always giving the crew encouragement and looked after our safety. He will be missed!
Bruce MacFarland: ball turrent gunner
Kathy and Dan~ I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, Kath. I know how tragic it is to lose a parent that you loved so much. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you and the girls. Take care of you!
Deb and Mark