Edward “Ed” Louis Zweibahmer, 74, of Michigan City, Indiana, died suddenly Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at his home.
Ed was born Sept. 26, 1950, in Decorah, Iowa to Albert and Doris (Warthan) Zweibahmer. He grew up in Calmar, Iowa, and graduated from South Winneshiek High School. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was later honorably discharged.
On April 24, 1971, Ed married his wife of 54 years, Karen Kovarik, in Protivin, Iowa. They soon welcomed their daughter Donna.
Ed worked for the railroad for a short time before beginning his 45-year career as a heavy equipment operator. Many younger operators looked up to him in his years of service to the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers, of which he was a lifetime member. He was a legend in his profession.
While living outside of Protivin, Ed enjoyed pheasant opener with his dad, and taking Donna squirrel hunting and fishing to the trout stream or Lake Meyer. Each year, he’d host “The Dubuque Guys” for their annual deer hunting trip that always included lots of beers, stories, and laughs.
He loved the water. In their younger years, Ed and Karen were able to spend many winters oceanside in Florida and enjoyed trips to Copper Harbor, Michigan.
In 1999, Ed’s work took him and Karen to Michigan City on the shores of Lake Michigan, an ideal location to settle for a man who loved the water. Drives to the local marinas included the occasional dumpster dive, bringing home many treasures.
He took pride in his lawn and the impeccable care of his vehicles. “Fast Eddy”, as he was sometimes called, loved to read history and current events. He could often be found in front of the TV watching FOX News with a Wall Street Journal in hand.
He will be missed by the neighborhood squirrels, birds, turkey, and deer that he kept well fed.
Ed leaves behind his wife Karen; daughter, Donna (fiancé John Michener) of Wabasha, Minnesota; grandchildren Madilyn and Jack Michener; sister, Bonnie (Jim) Shippy; brother, Dave (Robyn) Zweibahmer; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Clint) North and Cheryl Murray; brother-in-law, Kevin (Carol) Kovarik; and nieces, nephews and a couple of little pancake eaters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Paul and Genevieve Kovarik; brother, Steve Zweibahmer; and sister-in-law, Sue Zweibahmer.
As per his wishes, Ed will be cremated, and no funeral services will be held.
Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave. of La Porte, Indiana, is assisting with arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com
