Edward Preston Cunningham Sr.

Ed Cunningham passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 14, 2017, at the age of 96. Ed was born in Hammond, Indiana, on July 3, 1920, the son of Plenny and Edith Cunningham. He attended Hammond High School, North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, and Indiana University. He was united in marriage on April 18,1942, to Louise Koehler, just prior to leaving to serve in WWII. He served twenty seven months in the Aleutian Islands off Alaska. After his return to the states, his wife joined him at his next assignment in Miami, Florida, and later in New York, where he was stationed at Fort Hamilton. After the service Ed began his career with Swift & Co. in Chicago. As an auditor he conducted audits for the company  throughout the United States and Canada. In 1952 Ed and his family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, and in 1966 he became affiliated with Martin Marietta Corp. Madison Silos Division. He served as Division Finance Officer. After retirement Ed became a realtor-broker for First Realty Company in Madison.
Prior to coming to Madison, Ed was very active in Hammond in civic and fraternal organizations. After moving to Madison he became involved in scouting and community activities, which included serving as President of the East Side Rotary Club and becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. Ed was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and was the Treasurer of the Vestry. Ed was also a member of the Eastern Star, Commonwealth Lodge #325F & A. M. Scottish Rite Consistory, Zor Shrine, where he served as Treasurer and Finance Officer of the Shrine Circus Committee. Ed was also active in the Madison Civil War Round Table.
Ed loved history and traveling and enjoyed the many trips he and his wife took to Europe and throughout the United States. He also enjoyed the many winters they spent at St. Simon Island, Georgia. That area is full of Early American and Civil War historical sites so there were unending places to visit.
Ed loved golf and looked forward to his bi-weekly golf game with his buddies when he returned home from the south. His friends will miss his sense of humor, his kindness to everyone and his generous nature. He had an abiding love of the Lord and a deep devotion to his wife and family and all their accomplishments. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

Ed and Louise moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2014 to be near their daughter Jan and son-in-law, Bob.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Louise, a son, Edward Cunningham Jr. (Julie) of Naperville, Illinois, a daughter Jan Stone, (Robert) of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  His grandchildren are Scott Cunningham (Laura Beth) of Wichita, Kansas, Jenny Crowell (Brandon) of Topeka, Kansas, and Sarah Pasquinucci (Rob) of Cincinnati, Ohio.  His great grandchildren are Rhian, Blaine, and Bailey Cunningham of Wichita, Kansas, Brice and Braydon Crowell of Topeka, Kansas, and Robert Pasquinucci of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Madison, Wisconsin or the Alzheimer's Association. 

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