Edward Eugene Johnke, age 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Edward was born on July 11, 1948 in Chicago, IL to Edward and Mary (Hart) Johnke. Edward's mother, Mary, tragically passed away when Edward was 5 years old. He was raised by his grandmother, Florisa and grandfather, Jeff. Edward was a jack-of-all trades when it came to employment. He worked in construction, as a carpet layer, a boxer and many other jobs. Edward did whatever needed to be done to give the best life to his family. Among his interests, Edward enjoyed watching western movies, especially those with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and the Rifleman with Chuck Connors; he also enjoyed watching wrestling; his musical tastes included Elvis, Frank Sinatra and all country music. Edward worked on cars during his spare time and on occasion, Edward would partake in a poker game, even "winning" a pet monkey, Gladys! However, Edward most of all loved his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and Linda.

Edward is survived by his daughters, Mary (Robert) Parker and Teresa (Adam) Aguilar; grandchildren, Samantha, Angelo, Melody (Shane), Racheal (Ryan), Eddie, Demetrios (as grampa called him), Kayla (grampa called her "cookie taster"), Christina, Matthew and Robert; great grandchildren Brooke, Alexis, Asher, Wesley, Elias, Coen, Jaxon, Jason, Chandler, Emmett, Angelo Jr., Jake, Aiden, Logan, and Ian; step-children, Jamie and Jason;  Linda Balderas, Edward's best friend, first love and mother of his daughters, Mary & Teresa;  brothers, Tommy and Jimmy; sisters, Donna, Suzie and Paula; other relatives and friends. Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; grandmother, Florisa and grandfather, Jeff; and Uncle Bill.

Services celebrating Edward's life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 11:00AM with Pastor Curtis McMiller as officiant. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, February 18 from 3:00PM – 6:00PM. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers.