Edmund Wyson

Edmund J. Wyson, 94 of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence. Ed defied the odds and spent the last year of his life in his home, where he was loved and cared for by his beloved wife Betty and his children, with the support of hospice. Ed was born in Grand Rapids, MI on February 25, 1926 to Anna and Charles Wysoczynski. He was predeceased by his parents, and by his brothers Major Charles (Lorraine) Winn and Donald (Marlene) Wysoczynski. Several months prior to graduating from Union High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He spent 19 months in San Antonio, TX, as an athletic instructor, waiting to start preflight training. When the war ended, he was given an honorable discharge. He graduated in 1949 from Western Michigan University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He went on to have a 37-year career at Prudential Insurance, as an agent and staff manager. He received many professional honors, including the insurance industry’s National Quality and National Sales Achievement awards. He earned the chartered life underwriter (CLU) designation and was the Southern Michigan CLU Chapter president for 27 years.  Anyone who knew Ed was keenly aware that he lived for his family. His marriage to Elizabeth Van Wolvlear in 1951 was a love story for the ages. He was devoted to his five children: Ann Wyson, Battle Creek, MI, Mary (Kevin) Malone, Portland, Oregon, Edmund (Julia) Wyson, Los Angeles, CA, Karen (James) Potter, Concord, NH and Kathleen (David) Wartner, Elmhurst, IL. His 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren adored their “Grumps”, “Papa" and his goofy jokes and loving hugs.  Ed enjoyed coaching his kids’ teams, volunteering with the Tax Preparation Program and mentoring in the schools’ Host Program- helping children succeed. He also loved sports- especially Michigan State basketball, Notre Dame football or any golf or baseball. In his younger days, he loved playing baseball. Golf was his passion in later years and in the mid 60’s, Ed started the St. Joseph Dad’s Club Golf League. This group continues today and is the oldest league at Binder Park Golf Course.  Ed was a role model for his five children, demonstrating to them how to lead a life of significance, and teaching by example about love, family, commitment and above all God.  He stressed education and pushed all to achieve their best potential.  Ed’s Catholic faith was his guiding force, and he was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish since 1957.  Services will be Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Battle Creek, MI. The rosary will begin at 10:45 am, directly followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend, there will be a live feed of the services on the church’s FB page. Private Interment with full military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. No planned reception at this time.  In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Hospice Care of SW MI. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org