Edward Vincent Semrad

Semrad, Edward V. "Eddie" age 92. Passed away very peacefully on November 30, 2017. He was born on October 5, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the fourth of five children to Mary (nee Miracky) and Vincent Semrad. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Yvonne, his son Tom (Kathleen) in New Berlin WI and his 3 daughters Jeanne (Nick Dikio) in Los Alamitos, CA, Margaret (Tim Colombe) in Pewaukee WI, Mary (Rolf Fredrick) in St. Charles IL; eleven grandchildren, John, Mark, Danny (Semrad), Lauren, Kristen (Dikio), Chris, Andy (Colombe), Amy, Ryan, Kevin, Karen (Fredrick) and two great-grandchildren: Cooper & Collin. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Ann Schaefer and Betty McDermott and sister-in-law Betty Semrad. He was preceded in death by his brothers John and Frank. Edward, fondly nicknamed "Eddie", graduated from Messmer High School in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 66th Infantry "Panthers" Unit for Battle of Bulge combat duty in WWII. He was sent overseas in December 1943 boarding the S.S. Leopoldville and just hours prior to sailing to Europe he was transferred onto the S.S. Cheshire transport ship. On Christmas Eve 1943, the S.S. Leopoldville was torpedoed and sunk only 5 miles off the coast of England. The S.S. Cheshire survived. From 1944 to 1945, he served in parts of France and in Vienna Austria. After returning back home to the U.S., he fulfilled his college dream by attending Marquette University receiving a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1949, he married the 'love of his life' Yvonne (nee Frank) and honeymooned at Three Lakes WI. His 1st job was with Allis Chalmers, followed by A.C. Spark Plug, which became GM Delco Electronics. At GM Delco, he worked in various engineering and managerial positions, related to computer guidance systems for the Apollo spacecraft moon missions along with various aircraft companies. During the 1960's, he traveled to work closely with NASA spacecraft engineers in Cape Canaveral FL and with computer engineers at MIT in Boston. He retired from GM Delco in 1986. Following retirement, Eddie and Yvonne enjoyed winters in Palm Springs CA and especially at Countryside Country Club in Naples FL. Together and individually, they both were involved in golf leagues, bowling leagues, card clubs with high school friends, Holy Name Society, ushering at Lumen Christi and really enjoyed July 4th fireworks with their family. From 1994 to 2008, their children and grandchildren always gathered for a very special week of fishing, swimming, golfing and meals together 'Up North' in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The visitation for Eddie will be held on Monday December 4, 2017 from 3PM until 6PM. A prayer vigil will be at 5:30PM at Cesarz Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd. Waukesha, WI 53188. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Tuesday December 5, 2017 at the Lumen Christi Catholic Parish, 2750 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092. Reverend Matthew Jacob is officiating. Burial will follow at Lumen Christi Catholic Cemetery. Special thanks to the entire staff at Angels Grace for their caring medical and prayerful support. The family would appreciate any donations be made to Messmer High School in Milwaukee to assist their STEM engineering program, 742 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53206.