Edward W. Venckus, age 67, a resident of Wheaton, and formerly of Northbrook, IL, died suddenly on Saturday, August 1, 2009, in Memphis. He was born on May 23, 1942 in Chicago, IL.

Edward was a graduate of DeLasalle High School in Chicago, before earning a Bachelor's degree at DePaul. Later he earned a Master's degree from Loyola University. He served in the US Army as a Captain both in Germany and in Vietnam. In his youth he served as an altar boy in the Roman Catholic Church, a duty he revisited in Vietnam. After the war he began a career in materials management. After many years he changed careers and became a professor at DeVry University.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Wallace; his two sons, Derek (Amy) Venckus of Bartlett, TN, and Scott (Mary) Venckus of Austin, TX; four grandchildren, Anna and Conner, and Nathan and Lily Venckus; five step-grandchildren; and his brother, Lee (Peggy) Venckus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Stella Venckus; and by his first wife, Diane Venckus.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 1-4 P.M. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Services and interment are private.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the USO World Headquarters, Department WS, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860.