Edward 'Ed' Joseph Schuch, 97, Green Bay, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023. He was born January 29, 1926, in Tyndall, South Dakota to Joseph and Lillian (Kostal) Schuch. He was baptized on Febuary 18th at St. Wenceslaus Church, Tabor, SD.

At the age of 14, Ed met the love of his life, Erma Dunsmore...she just didn't know it yet! By the age of 17, he had summoned the courage to ask her out. Neither of them could have predicted being blessed with a 73- year marriage and 9 children. God is good!

After graduating from high school, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended Kansas University (Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!), earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He then attended Iowa State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Industry. While Ed was still attending KU, he and Erma married on August 26, 1947. After graduation from Iowa State College, he was offered a job at Fairmont Foods in Green Bay, WI as Plant Operations Manager. He worked at Fairmont Foods for 25 years and then worked at Morning Glory as VP of Operations. Erma and Ed had not heard of Green Bay prior to him taking his first job, but became avid Packers Fans very quickly!

Ed was devoted to his faith, family and community. He and Erma were members of St. Joseph Parish for 50 years, where Ed served as a trustee and Holy Name Society Member/President, along with numerous hours of volunteer work. They then moved to St. Francis Xavier Cathedral parish where he continued his volunteer work in various roles. He was a member of the American Legion Sullivan Wallen Post #11, and a former member of Kiwanis. Ed was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He was also very active in the Badger 4-H Club, serving as a leader for many years.

After retirement Ed began his second career, and as always, Erma did too! He was approached by VOCA (Volunteers in Overseas Co-operative Assistance) and asked to provide training and technical assistance to dairy co-operatives as well as private sector agricultural enterprises overseas. He and Erma made many trips to the Czech Republic as a result of this volunteer work and formed many friendships there.

Dad had a passion for genealogy. He spent countless hours researching family history, which led to writing and publishing two books while in his 80's. The first one traces his family history from the Czech and Slovak Republics to South Dakota. The second one highlights Erma's family history from Scotland and Ireland to South Dakota.

Ed is survived by his children, Patricia (Theodore) Jankowski, Margaret "Peg" (Donald) Ropson, Deborah (Patrick) Buckman, Mary (Steve) Birtzer, Kathryn (Jeffrey) Koehler, Jean (James) Gustafson, Teresa (Richard) Schroeder and William (Catherine) Schuch; grandchildren, Aniela, Jennifer, Kimberly, Christine, Michael, Daniel, Alan, Marie, Rachel, Nicholas, Derek, Matthew and Erin; great-grandchildren Benjamin, Eleanor, Charlotte, Samuel, Emma Rose, Braelynn and Brooklynn, and Baby Boy Gasmin due in June; sisters-in-law, Elaine Schneider, Marilyn Stolz, Evelyn Schuch, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and many favorite cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Erma; infant daughter, Jerri Lynn; granddaughter, Laura Birtzer; parents, Joseph and Lillian Schuch; in-laws, William and Hazel Dunsmore; brother, Joseph Schuch; brothers in-law, James Schneider and Ernest Stolz.

Many thanks to Connie at Woodside Oaks for her continual care and concern for Mom and Dad. And to Linda for her loving attention to Dad in his final months. In Dad's words, "Say Your Prayers!"

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Xavier Cathedral or to St. Joseph's School, 991 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 24; Parish Wake Service to follow at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday in the Resurrection Room of the Cathedral Center at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe Ave., from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with Fr. Brian Belongia and Fr. John Girotti. The Mass will be live streamed at https://sfxcathedralgb.com . Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.