Ed, of Farmington Hills, a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and friend, passed into eternal life unexpectedly on Wednesday morning,  October 12, at Abbey Park at Mill River, Lyon Township, where he had enjoyed living independently for the previous month.  He was 80 years old.

Ed was born January 18, 1942, at Grace Hospital, Detroit, to the late Lawrence and Alice (McLaren) Waldecker. He married Katherine A. "Kay" Bruckner on May 4, 1967, at St. Alfred Catholic Church in Taylor.  Sadly, Kay preceded him in death on April 23, 2020.  In addition to Kay, Ed was also preceded in death by their beloved daughter-in-law, Shannon, on February 1, 2015, their daughter, René Waldecker Lall on April 8, 2015, and his brother, Butch Waldecker.

Ed graduated from Melvindale High School in 1960 and continued his education at Henry Ford Community College.  He enjoyed a decades-long career as a revered laboratory supervisor for Nyer, Tisso and Hindo Engineering Consultants from which he retired in 2014.

A significant part of Ed's life was devoted to the Knights of Columbus.  He joined the K of C in 1986 and served with tireless devotion in many leadership roles.  He was the founder of the 4th Degree Assembly for St. Francis Council #4401, the Order of Alhambra, its Faithful Navigator, Grand Knight, Color Corps Commander, Building Corp. President, and Bingo Chairman, among others.  He was a devout Catholic and very active in both Our Lady of Sorrows Parish and School in Farmington as well as St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Farmington Hills.

In his free time, Ed enjoyed classic cars, puzzles, spending valuable time with his family - including taking his grandchildren to the movies, bus trips, and his long-time membership to Meadow Brook Theatre.  His role as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and true friend were paramount to Ed.  May his good and gracious soul rest in peace.

Surviving are his devoted sons, Edward and Russell (Shannon); grandchildren, Andrew and Jason Lall, Devyn (Phil) Socha,  Keegan Waldecker, and Alexandria and Michael Waldecker; and his sister, Peggy Remillet-Sutton.

The Waldecker family will receive guests at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 18, from 2-8 pm, with a 7 pm K of C Rosary.

Ed's funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday morning, October 19, at 10:00 am (instate 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Mother and Unborn Baby Care .

Kindly keep Ed and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.