Janesville lost a life-long friend and patriot and family man with the peaceful passing of R.Edward Airis, age 89, of 1107 N. Osborne Ave., on February 11th, 2005. When we lose someone like Ed, who has led such a full and fruitful life, we cannot help but reflect upon the events that mark that life and celebrate those events with the love and vigor with which we celebrate the man himself. In Ed's case, three eventful turns of fate served to define the husband, the father, the friend, the grandfather, the great grandfather, the soldier, the musician and the worker he was to become.
Born in St. Paul, MN on November 7th, 1915, Ed was adopted at the age of 18 months by John Airis and Rose Behling Airis. This fateful turn brought him to Janesville, the home to which he would return his entire life when war or work or life's demands would take him elsewhere. A 1935 Janesville High School graduate and a 1940 graduate of Milton College, the second defining event in Ed's life occurred while at Milton. He had entertained thoughts of entering the priesthood and had, in fact, given up for Lent such worldly indulgences as dancing. Yet, when he met Gertrude Kerr of Milton, Wisconsin at a college dance, his world changed. That "Gert" was able to charm him onto the dance floor (or "force" him as Ed would tell you) in spite of his Lenten convictions pretty much settled things for him. Ed knew, right then and there, that he had met the woman of his dreams and that his life - and a life with this woman - were to follow an entirely different path than the priesthood. And indeed, it did.
Following their marriage on May 30, 1941 - a union that would last for 64 years - Ed served in the Navy during World War II. He began his service as a Midshipman Officer Candidate at Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation, he was assigned to destroyer duty. A back injury marked the third defining event in Ed Airis' life, as it prevented him from serving on a ship that was subsequently lost at sea with all hands. Ed took his new lease on life and immediately returned to active duty, serving his country as a submarine school instructor on Midway Island finally ending his service with the rank of lieutenant, senior grade.
Following military service, Ed went to work for General Motors, retiring after 35 years of service at the executive level. In the spirit of the day, a typical shift at “the plant” would end each day, at home, with Ed enjoying the piano while sipping one of his signature martinis. A martini in Ed's hand after a good, honest day's work" even decades after his retirement" became as familiar to friends and family as his quick laugh. It is clear that in work and in life, Ed Airis made a lasting impression!
He is survived by his loving wife, life-long companion and dance partner Gert; sons, Bob Airis of Tower, MN, and Richard Airis of Indianapolis, IN, who both turned the family love of music into music careers; daughter Barbara (Bruce) Slatter of Janesville, WI, who followed in his footsteps to GM; seven grandchildren: Angie Slatter, Lindsey Slatter, Adam Airis, Ashley Airis, Michelle Vietanen, Holly Wyatt and John Springer; and eight great-grandchildren.
Ed was a long-standing member of St. Williams Catholic Church. As Ed (with his trademark wit) would point out, "he did a lot of sitting and kneeling, too." Ed was a 53-year member of Elks Lodge #254 and a life member since 1983. He served the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary for 12 years and became the first male president of the Woman's Auxiliary of Wisconsin in 1986-1987. He would often joke that there was no better job than being around, "all those wonderful women." That Gert didn't mind “all those women” speaks volumes about the trust and love and mutual respect that grew between them over the years. Love is patient. Love is kind. Ever the free spirit, Ed enjoyed testing both notions with his beloved Gert!
In 1985, the Milton College alumni organization honored Ed with its prestigious Eminent Miltonian Award. And as if all of this wasn't enough, Ed was also an accomplished piano player, a passion that followed him from childhood to a big-band gig in college to playing a song or two at The Elks club in later years. If a wedding or party or any other type of gathering had a piano, it didn't matter how many people were in attendance, it was always easy to find Ed. He was the life of the party. Even in his later years, Ed's zest for life touched a lot of folks, not the least of which were his friends at Mercy Assisted Living and Mercy Haven House. Always the perfect gentleman, Ed would want to thank them for their kindness and for providing a restful place to lay his tired head. Daily, Ed would remark that he must have lived a blessed life to have these "angels" and those of Hospice Inc. tending to his daily needs...
Born in St. Paul, MN on November 7th, 1915, Ed was adopted at the age of 18 months by John Airis and Rose Behling Airis. This fateful turn brought him to Janesville, the home to which he would return his entire life when war or work or life's demands would take him elsewhere. A 1935 Janesville High School graduate and a 1940 graduate of Milton College, the second defining event in Ed's life occurred while at Milton. He had entertained thoughts of entering the priesthood and had, in fact, given up for Lent such worldly indulgences as dancing. Yet, when he met Gertrude Kerr of Milton, Wisconsin at a college dance, his world changed. That "Gert" was able to charm him onto the dance floor (or "force" him as Ed would tell you) in spite of his Lenten convictions pretty much settled things for him. Ed knew, right then and there, that he had met the woman of his dreams and that his life - and a life with this woman - were to follow an entirely different path than the priesthood. And indeed, it did.
Following their marriage on May 30, 1941 - a union that would last for 64 years - Ed served in the Navy during World War II. He began his service as a Midshipman Officer Candidate at Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation, he was assigned to destroyer duty. A back injury marked the third defining event in Ed Airis' life, as it prevented him from serving on a ship that was subsequently lost at sea with all hands. Ed took his new lease on life and immediately returned to active duty, serving his country as a submarine school instructor on Midway Island finally ending his service with the rank of lieutenant, senior grade.
Following military service, Ed went to work for General Motors, retiring after 35 years of service at the executive level. In the spirit of the day, a typical shift at “the plant” would end each day, at home, with Ed enjoying the piano while sipping one of his signature martinis. A martini in Ed's hand after a good, honest day's work" even decades after his retirement" became as familiar to friends and family as his quick laugh. It is clear that in work and in life, Ed Airis made a lasting impression!
He is survived by his loving wife, life-long companion and dance partner Gert; sons, Bob Airis of Tower, MN, and Richard Airis of Indianapolis, IN, who both turned the family love of music into music careers; daughter Barbara (Bruce) Slatter of Janesville, WI, who followed in his footsteps to GM; seven grandchildren: Angie Slatter, Lindsey Slatter, Adam Airis, Ashley Airis, Michelle Vietanen, Holly Wyatt and John Springer; and eight great-grandchildren.
Ed was a long-standing member of St. Williams Catholic Church. As Ed (with his trademark wit) would point out, "he did a lot of sitting and kneeling, too." Ed was a 53-year member of Elks Lodge #254 and a life member since 1983. He served the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary for 12 years and became the first male president of the Woman's Auxiliary of Wisconsin in 1986-1987. He would often joke that there was no better job than being around, "all those wonderful women." That Gert didn't mind “all those women” speaks volumes about the trust and love and mutual respect that grew between them over the years. Love is patient. Love is kind. Ever the free spirit, Ed enjoyed testing both notions with his beloved Gert!
In 1985, the Milton College alumni organization honored Ed with its prestigious Eminent Miltonian Award. And as if all of this wasn't enough, Ed was also an accomplished piano player, a passion that followed him from childhood to a big-band gig in college to playing a song or two at The Elks club in later years. If a wedding or party or any other type of gathering had a piano, it didn't matter how many people were in attendance, it was always easy to find Ed. He was the life of the party. Even in his later years, Ed's zest for life touched a lot of folks, not the least of which were his friends at Mercy Assisted Living and Mercy Haven House. Always the perfect gentleman, Ed would want to thank them for their kindness and for providing a restful place to lay his tired head. Daily, Ed would remark that he must have lived a blessed life to have these "angels" and those of Hospice Inc. tending to his daily needs...
Janesville lost a life-long friend and patriot and family man with the peaceful passing of R.Edward Airis, age 89, of 1107 N. Osborne Ave., on February 11th, 2005. When we lose someone like Ed, who has led such a full and fruitful life, we cannot help but reflect upon the events that mark that life and celebrate those events with the love and vigor with which we celebrate the man himself. In Ed's case, three eventful turns of fate served to define the husband, the father, the friend, the grandfather, the great grandfather, the soldier, the musician and the worker he was to become.
Born in St. Paul, MN on November 7th, 1915, Ed was adopted at the age of 18 months by John Airis and Rose Behling Airis. This fateful turn brought him to Janesville, the home to which he would return his entire life when war or work or life's demands would take him elsewhere. A 1935 Janesville High School graduate and a 1940 graduate of Milton College, the second defining event in Ed's life occurred while at Milton. He had entertained thoughts of entering the priesthood and had, in fact, given up for Lent such worldly indulgences as dancing. Yet, when he met Gertrude Kerr of Milton, Wisconsin at a college dance, his world changed. That "Gert" was able to charm him onto the dance floor (or "force" him as Ed would tell you) in spite of his Lenten convictions pretty much settled things for him. Ed knew, right then and there, that he had met the woman of his dreams and that his life - and a life with this woman - were to follow an entirely different path than the priesthood. And indeed, it did.
Following their marriage on May 30, 1941 - a union that would last for 64 years - Ed served in the Navy during World War II. He began his service as a Midshipman Officer Candidate at Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation, he was assigned to destroyer duty. A back injury marked the third defining event in Ed Airis' life, as it prevented him from serving on a ship that was subsequently lost at sea with all hands. Ed took his new lease on life and immediately returned to active duty, serving his country as a submarine school instructor on Midway Island finally ending his service with the rank of lieutenant, senior grade.
Following military service, Ed went to work for General Motors, retiring after 35 years of service at the executive level. In the spirit of the day, a typical shift at “the plant” would end each day, at home, with Ed enjoying the piano while sipping one of his signature martinis. A martini in Ed's hand after a good, honest day's work" even decades after his retirement" became as familiar to friends and family as his quick laugh. It is clear that in work and in life, Ed Airis made a lasting impression!
He is survived by his loving wife, life-long companion and dance partner Gert; sons, Bob Airis of Tower, MN, and Richard Airis of Indianapolis, IN, who both turned the family love of music into music careers; daughter Barbara (Bruce) Slatter of Janesville, WI, who followed in his footsteps to GM; seven grandchildren: Angie Slatter, Lindsey Slatter, Adam Airis, Ashley Airis, Michelle Vietanen, Holly Wyatt and John Springer; and eight great-grandchildren.
Ed was a long-standing member of St. Williams Catholic Church. As Ed (with his trademark wit) would point out, "he did a lot of sitting and kneeling, too." Ed was a 53-year member of Elks Lodge #254 and a life member since 1983. He served the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary for 12 years and became the first male president of the Woman's Auxiliary of Wisconsin in 1986-1987. He would often joke that there was no better job than being around, "all those wonderful women." That Gert didn't mind “all those women” speaks volumes about the trust and love and mutual respect that grew between them over the years. Love is patient. Love is kind. Ever the free spirit, Ed enjoyed testing both notions with his beloved Gert!
In 1985, the Milton College alumni organization honored Ed with its prestigious Eminent Miltonian Award. And as if all of this wasn't enough, Ed was also an accomplished piano player, a passion that followed him from childhood to a big-band gig in college to playing a song or two at The Elks club in later years. If a wedding or party or any other type of gathering had a piano, it didn't matter how many people were in attendance, it was always easy to find Ed. He was the life of the party. Even in his later years, Ed's zest for life touched a lot of folks, not the least of which were his friends at Mercy Assisted Living and Mercy Haven House. Always the perfect gentleman, Ed would want to thank them for their kindness and for providing a restful place to lay his tired head. Daily, Ed would remark that he must have lived a blessed life to have these "angels" and those of Hospice Inc. tending to his daily needs...
Born in St. Paul, MN on November 7th, 1915, Ed was adopted at the age of 18 months by John Airis and Rose Behling Airis. This fateful turn brought him to Janesville, the home to which he would return his entire life when war or work or life's demands would take him elsewhere. A 1935 Janesville High School graduate and a 1940 graduate of Milton College, the second defining event in Ed's life occurred while at Milton. He had entertained thoughts of entering the priesthood and had, in fact, given up for Lent such worldly indulgences as dancing. Yet, when he met Gertrude Kerr of Milton, Wisconsin at a college dance, his world changed. That "Gert" was able to charm him onto the dance floor (or "force" him as Ed would tell you) in spite of his Lenten convictions pretty much settled things for him. Ed knew, right then and there, that he had met the woman of his dreams and that his life - and a life with this woman - were to follow an entirely different path than the priesthood. And indeed, it did.
Following their marriage on May 30, 1941 - a union that would last for 64 years - Ed served in the Navy during World War II. He began his service as a Midshipman Officer Candidate at Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation, he was assigned to destroyer duty. A back injury marked the third defining event in Ed Airis' life, as it prevented him from serving on a ship that was subsequently lost at sea with all hands. Ed took his new lease on life and immediately returned to active duty, serving his country as a submarine school instructor on Midway Island finally ending his service with the rank of lieutenant, senior grade.
Following military service, Ed went to work for General Motors, retiring after 35 years of service at the executive level. In the spirit of the day, a typical shift at “the plant” would end each day, at home, with Ed enjoying the piano while sipping one of his signature martinis. A martini in Ed's hand after a good, honest day's work" even decades after his retirement" became as familiar to friends and family as his quick laugh. It is clear that in work and in life, Ed Airis made a lasting impression!
He is survived by his loving wife, life-long companion and dance partner Gert; sons, Bob Airis of Tower, MN, and Richard Airis of Indianapolis, IN, who both turned the family love of music into music careers; daughter Barbara (Bruce) Slatter of Janesville, WI, who followed in his footsteps to GM; seven grandchildren: Angie Slatter, Lindsey Slatter, Adam Airis, Ashley Airis, Michelle Vietanen, Holly Wyatt and John Springer; and eight great-grandchildren.
Ed was a long-standing member of St. Williams Catholic Church. As Ed (with his trademark wit) would point out, "he did a lot of sitting and kneeling, too." Ed was a 53-year member of Elks Lodge #254 and a life member since 1983. He served the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary for 12 years and became the first male president of the Woman's Auxiliary of Wisconsin in 1986-1987. He would often joke that there was no better job than being around, "all those wonderful women." That Gert didn't mind “all those women” speaks volumes about the trust and love and mutual respect that grew between them over the years. Love is patient. Love is kind. Ever the free spirit, Ed enjoyed testing both notions with his beloved Gert!
In 1985, the Milton College alumni organization honored Ed with its prestigious Eminent Miltonian Award. And as if all of this wasn't enough, Ed was also an accomplished piano player, a passion that followed him from childhood to a big-band gig in college to playing a song or two at The Elks club in later years. If a wedding or party or any other type of gathering had a piano, it didn't matter how many people were in attendance, it was always easy to find Ed. He was the life of the party. Even in his later years, Ed's zest for life touched a lot of folks, not the least of which were his friends at Mercy Assisted Living and Mercy Haven House. Always the perfect gentleman, Ed would want to thank them for their kindness and for providing a restful place to lay his tired head. Daily, Ed would remark that he must have lived a blessed life to have these "angels" and those of Hospice Inc. tending to his daily needs...
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