Edward Michael Handtmann
Edward Michael Handtmann, 60, of Downers Grove. Beloved husband of Kathleen. Loving father of Michael. Devoted brother of Kimberly (Robert) Zajac. Dear son of Patricia and the late Edward George Handtmann. Lifelong friend of Karl Ziarko. No visitation or services. Edward was an expert mechanic and earned the highest A. S. E. rating, the Master Certification. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
Sending my deepest condolences to Ed’s family. I didn’t know Ed but I know he was his wife’s best friend and will be missed by many. May all your wonderful memories of Ed comfort you during this difficult time.
So very shocked and saddened to hear of Ed passing. He was always so nice and honest when we would take our cars to him for repairs. Our hearts and prayers go out to Kathy and Michael during this most difficult time. May he Rest In Peace.
Vito and Anna Larucci
Kathy and Mike – you are in our prayers at this difficult time Ed was such a good man – I’ll never forget the time he helped us out in a new engine in our van – what a big job- but he was an expert mechanic and always had an infectious smile- we will miss our friend- Rest in peace Ed 🙏
Prayers to Kathy, Pat and Kim and family. I have so many memories of Eddie that I will cherish forever. He was funny, kind and caring.
Ed was such a wonderful man. So sad he left us at the young age of 60. A great husband to Kathy and the best father to Michael.. He worked hard all his life and should have had more time to be able to enjoy more life. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy and Mike. He is at peace after after a hard struggle with Covid. No one deserves that. He will surely be missed.
Love, Sharon and Bob
Our deepest condolences to Mike, Pat, Kim and Family and especially to my dear and closest friend, Kathy. Words cannot describe the shock and sadness we are feeling. Ed has helped me more times than I can remember, whether it was something breaking in my house or a question about a problem with my car. He was a good man, husband and father. He will never be forgotten. I love you Kathy!
❤️ Vicki and Andrew
My heartfelt condolences go out to Kathy, Michael, Ed’s Mom, Kim and Bob, my heart and thoughts are with you during this time.
I met Ed over 45 years ago and he has been a big part of my life ever since. I remember going bicycle riding with him as kids, working on cars, attending car shows or just going for coffee. We spent time together every week either hanging out, texting or talking on the phone.
Ed was a very special guy, he was supportive, kind, had a great sense of humor and he always made you laugh. Ed had a giving spirit that touched so many and he will never be forgotten. I know he is in heaven in the loving arms of God.
Ed was not just a friend, he was my brother. I will miss him dearly.
My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy,Michael, Ed’s Mom, Kim and Bob, we love you all and will always be there for you.
I have known Ed for more then 20 years. Although it was a work relationship, I always considered it far more. I always looked forward to our conversation’s and friendly banter. Ed attended almost every technical training class that was made available to him. His presence always made the event a better place to be.
Although I never met his wife and family, I do know he loved and appreciated them. He made that clear every time he spoke of them. I consider my life to have been enriched by having known him. I will truly miss him. God Bless You My Brother.
Our deepest sympathy goes out for the Handtmann family on the passing of Ed. He will be remembered for his kind and loving demeanor, his easy laugh and his kind and loving way with all the pets we were fortunate to care for. He will be missed by all who were blessed to have met him.
Dear Kathy and Mike,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your husband and father. Our daughter was childhood friends with Mike, and we remember your family fondly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Donna and I were so saddened to hear of Ed’s passing and our hearts go out to Kathy and Mike. Ed was a great neighbor. I will always envy the DIY projects I would see him doing across the street. Ed and Mike kept their property and cars looking the best in the neighborhood. Rest in peace Ed.
Ed was such a great person and a pleasure to work with. We will miss him dearly! Our deepest condolences to Ed’s family.
I think of Ed and see his heart warming, friendly smile which made everyone feel happy and at ease and fondly remember how kind, silly and fun Ed was when he was dating my cousin Kathy. My deepest condolences for Kathy, Michael, family & friends
Dearest Kathy, Michael and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Please know you are all in our prayers and thoughts through this difficult time. ❤️❤️
Much love, Jeanne, Brian, Joey & Tony
As most of you know, Ed was a kind person who loved animals.
I do not remember a time when he was not across the street.
It’s especially hard during the Holiday not to see Ed’s House decorations.
They were the best on the block!
I will miss seeing him wash his truck every Saturday or mowing his lawn!
Which is why his loss is really very depressing for us.
It is still hard to believe that somebody who
had as much energy as Ed has left us forever.
He inspired us in so many ways, particularly in terms of being a friend.
He also had a unique trait to remain active for his friends.
It is a known fact that friends and family always came first for him.
He did a lot for everyone who was connected with him,
showing his true honest personality.
God must have needed Eddy to fix something, only Eddy could fix….
God bless his soul and Rest In Peace
till we see each other again.
John & Fred
Michael,
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. In you text you said it was a terrible holiday. Now I understand why. I am so sorry man. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. If you need to talk we are here.
Bill & Julie Kangas
I just found out. He was a dear friend throughout grade and high school. After I left, he continued to service the family cars until his retirement. He had a good nature and was always smiling.
It’s difficult to believe that Ed’s been gone a year, and I was only his neighbor for a handful of years. On sunny days this past year, I couldn’t help but look for him in his yard or driveway.
From the time I moved in, he and his family were kind and welcoming. From baked goods at holidays to the truly unexpected – Mike and Ed appearing in our doorway to say that we ought to keep our little dachshund inside as they’d just seen coyotes nearby.
Another time, Ed and I idled our snowblowers after a decent winter storm for a chat (I can’t remember how we got on this topic) and discussed just how bad GM diesel engines for passenger cars were in the 80s. Of course, he knew the details inside and out. Ed was such a consummate mechanic. I once ran over to crow about some minor brake work I’d done on one of my cars only to find him and Mike INSTALLING AN ENTIRE A/C SYSTEM into his truck.
The Halloween before he became ill my family stopped by to trick or treat at his house. Our costumes consisted of sweatshirts reading “aspiring retiree,” and he hassled us about being way too young to retire while interacting with our son then aged just over one. I’ve since learned that Ed was on the cusp of retirement himself. So much about his loss is unfair. No well-earned retirement for him and Kathy to enjoy. No more time with Mike and the good things in his future. I selfishly wanted my sons to grow up with a fun, kind, and knowledgeable neighbor. Rest in peace Ed.
Eddie, it’s been a year since you lost your battle with Covid. I still cannot believe that I made it a year without you by my side. You were my best friend from aged 18, and I sincerely loved you with everything I have in me: soul and heart. You kept telling me in the hospital that both of us would make it, and I sincerely believed that, but Covid had other ideas. I wish to GOD, that He would have taken me, instead of you, as you have family members; I do not. Your poor mom and sister…there are no words. How Covid could have taken a strong, healthy man, is unfathomable to me! The suffering that you endured…it breaks my heart. I cannot wait until one day we will be together again. Keep that spot next to you, open. I love you, Eddie!! Love, Kathy