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In Memory of
Edward James "Ed"
Fitzgerald
1949 - 2017
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Obituary for Edward James "Ed" Fitzgerald

Edward James "Ed"  Fitzgerald
Edward J. Fitzgerald, 68, of Rowley, IA, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at his home in rural Rowley, IA.

Ed was born on February 13, 1949 in Fonda, Iowa the son of John and Catherine (O’Brien) Fitzgerald. He graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Fonda, and then attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War from January 29, 1971 until his discharge on March 14, 1972. Upon his return, he finished his education receiving a journalism degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha NE. Ed was employed with the Independence Bulletin Journal and KOEL Radio Station prior to becoming the Commissioner of the Buchanan County Health, Planning and Zoning Commission for 32 years prior to his retirement in 2011.

He was a member of the Independence Fire Department, the Buchanan County Fire Honor Guard, and the V.F.W. Post.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He played in the Wapsi Pool League, and the Three Elms Golf League. He was a loyal Cincinnati Reds and Green Bay Packer Fan who had a tremendous sense of humor and a quick Irish wit which became infectious when in his presence.

He is survived by his three sisters, Maureen Fitzgerald-Chinn, Carroll, IA; Cathy (Keith) Lawyer, Ankeny, IA; Mary Essing, Omaha, NE; four brothers, Robert Fitzgerald, Maquoketa, IA; Patrick (Kathy) Fitzgerald, Grinnell, IA; Mark (Rita) Fitzgerald, Storm Lake, IA; John Fitzgerald, Knoxville, TN, a sister-in-law Laverda Fitzgerald, Grinnell, IA, and many nieces and nephews. A special friend Sue Johanningmeier and her two children, and seven grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Audrey C. Fitzgerald; two brothers, Thomas and Joseph Fitzgerald; and brother-in-law’s, Merle Essing, Carroll Chinn

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 3, 2017 at St. John’s Catholic Church with Fr. Paul McManus officiating assisted by Rev. Mr. Tim Post. Burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Fonda, IA on Tuesday April 4, 2017 at 11AM; there will be a luncheon held at the Knights of Columbus Hall after the burial in Fonda, IA. Friends may call from 1 to 5 PM Sunday, and from 9 to 10:30 AM Monday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA. A Rosary will be recited at 1 PM, a Buchanan County Fire Honor Guard Service, Military Memorial Service and a Parish Wake Service will be held at 5 PM on Sunday.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward James "Ed" Fitzgerald, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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