Edward Eugene Cyra, June 26, 1964 - November 8, 2026.
Edward (Ed) Eugene Cyra of Chicago, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at his “happy place” in Michiana Shores, Indiana.
Born on June 26, 1964, Ed was the son of the late Eugene and Josephine Cyra. Ed will be remembered for the way he cared for his family and friends, and for his enjoyment of life. He is survived by Jennifer, his wife of thirty-five years, his son Nathan and Nathan’s partner Grace, who was like a daughter to Ed. Ed also leaves behind his sister Yolanda (Alan), his brother John (Judy), and their extended families. Ed is fondly remembered by LaVerne (the late Daryll) Griesberg, the extended Schubert, Kulas, Sasak and Piekarska families, his Pi Kapp brothers, the Nicholas Senn High School community and many other friends and relatives who loved him.
Ed stepped into a caregiving role at an early age. His father passed away when Ed was just eighteen months old and Ed grew up with a strong sense of responsibility for and commitment to his loved ones. Ed took care of his mom. He took care of his aunts. He took care of his wife. He took care of his students. He took care of his friends. And having grown up without his father, when Ed became a father, he dedicated himself to the role. Ed was a devoted son, a loving husband, and an involved and supportive parent. He made time to tend to the needs of his loved ones, no matter how busy he was. Ed passed away at a young age, but he had put in a full life of service in caring for the people he loved.
Ed was remarkably prepared for whatever life might throw at him. The contents of his work bag included a handful of screws and bolts, Velcro, a bottle opener, a shoehorn, and even a fresh tube of caulk. Inspection of his car revealed a partially used roll of duct tape, and a brand-new replacement roll waiting in the trunk. When his wife, Jen, would comment on any excessive clutter, Ed would respond, “But you’d have a boring life without me.” Well-played.
Ed made sure that the family cars were clean and in working order. He kept his tool bench well stocked and preferred to do projects himself. In the final months of his life Ed had the house repainted inside and out, refinished the upstairs doors, upgraded the appliances and insisted upon replacing an aging furnace. He always wanted to ensure that his family was prepared for the future.
Ed loved nature and walking the woods. This past fall he planted hundreds of acorns on his property which will ensure that his stewardship lasts well into the next century. Ed lived life fully and with a sense of adventure, embracing travel, good food and wine, theater, concerts, sporting events and tailgates. He brought love and laughter to every gathering. He will be greatly missed.
Ed was a true human ecologist with a particular passion for equity in early childhood education. Gifts in Ed’s memory may be made payable to the ‘UW Foundation’ with a note to direct as a tribute to the “School of Human Ecology Annual Fund (#132389060).” Mail to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox Box 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807. Gifts can also be made online at supportuw.org/giveto/sohe .
Gifts in Ed’s memory may also be directed to the Michiana Park Boosters, which supports conservation efforts for the community of Michiana Shores. Donations can be made at michianaparkboosters.org.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be planned for the spring of 2027.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.
