Edward Donald Durey

We celebrate the life of Edward “Ed” Durey, son of Donald “Sonny” and Ruth Durey.  Ed passed away on October 10, 2018, at the age of 50, at his home after a valiant fight from the resulting effects of multiple strokes. He has joined his father, Sonny, who passed away in December. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Durey, and sisters Chris McCarron, Cathy Ruden, and Candy Frommelt. In addition, Ed was a very proud uncle to eight nieces and nephews and sixteen great nieces and great nephews, all of whom loved him dearly and came to his bedside during his final days. Ed’s two dogs, Huck and Mindy, will be missing their cuddle buddy.

Funeral service for Ed will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 15th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Dianne Christopher officiating. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ed was a trailblazer. He was a member of the first group of children with disabilities to attend public school. Simply through living his life, Ed helped to pave the way for equal access for individuals with disabilities in a variety of different activities. Ed never questioned his right to participate in every aspect of life with his family and friends.

Ed was an optimist. He viewed each day as an adventure waiting to unfold. He anticipated joy and laughter would fill his day, and he made it happen for not only himself, but for everyone around him. Ed celebrated the simple pleasures such as Mom’s omelet for breakfast, peanut butter shakes for snack with dad, eating out, time with family and going to Cozy Corner.

Ed was a people lover. No one was a stranger, and everyone was a friend. His handshakes and hugs warmed the soul of everyone he met. No matter where you went with Ed, there was someone who would come up to greet him and share stories of their admiration of and involvement with Ed. He had special friends from Cozy Corner, his outings with Area Residential Care, Goodwill activities, bowling teammates, cohorts at work and his roommates at his group home. He had a special place in his heart for all of his “girlfriends.” He was definitely a ladies’ man.

Ed was a gentle soul. When babies were placed in his arms, he began his magic. He gently stroked their checks and hands and then began to recite his soothing words. He was able to calm even the fussiest baby. When at home in his final days, he never stopped holding the hands of those who were there to comfort him. When the strokes stole his language, he maintained the words, “How are you?” He needed to know that “his people” were ok.

Ed was a model for all of us. We all should strive to live life as Ed did. He was the epitome of goodness and light. Joy exuded from his presence. He never knew judgement of another person, hatred, or prejudice. He leaves behind a legacy of love.

Ed has now joined his father, Sonny; brother-in-law, George Frommelt; grandparents, Edward and Pearl Gerstkamp and Leona Durey; and other family members whom Ed held dear. His love light shines now in heaven, just as it does in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

A special thanks to the many medical personnel, Manor Care staff, Hospice team, and extended family members and friends who all shared their love, care and concern with Ed and the entire family as he battled his health challenges. Ed was blessed by each of these individuals.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.