Obituary of Edward Roy Jost

Ed was born Christmas Day, 1926 (Dec. 25, 1926) in Glencoe, IL, to Roy and Freida Jost. He was part of a large family, brothers Kenneth “Ken,” Walter “Wally,” sisters Esther, Evelyn, and Gladys. Ed had many wonderful accomplishments. He was a Very Proud member of the United States Marine Corps, serving in WWII as a machine gunner, leaving the Marines as a Sergeant. He started a 42 year career with Culligan Water Systems in Northbrook, IL as a machine operator; but worked his way up to become the supervisor of Quality Control. Ed was a talented craftsman. His stained glass windows, lamps, and holiday decorations can still be seen at many churches and houses in the North Shore and in homes of family and friends who received them as gifts. In the 1960s, Ed was one of the first leaders of Boy Scouts of America Troop 140, which is still an active part of the St. Mary Parish of Buffalo Grove, IL. He spent many years leading his sons and other scouts on outings such as campouts at Deer Grove in Palatine. Ed had many things to boast about, but was never one to "Blow His Own Horn." If he did, he would have spoke of his 40 years of volunteer service to the Vernon Fire Department, now known as the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Protection District. Ed started as a volunteer firefighter, and eagerly took the training to become one of the first Paramedics on the Vernon Fire Department. After retiring from active firefighting, he served as a Commissioner for the District. Ed came from a firefighting family. His father was one of the first full time firefighters on the Glencoe, IL Fire Department, where his brother Ken served as Fire Chief for many years. Three of Ed’s sons also served on fire departments, with one still active and approaching his 39th year of service. Ed also found time to marry and raise a family. Ed married Beatrice V. "Bea" Blocks at St. Mary Church in Buffalo Grove on April 23 1949. Bea passed away March 8, 2013. Together they raised 5 children, Richard "Rick" (Kathleen) of Dolores, CO, Linda Bevers of Normal, IL, Steve (Dori) of Salem, WI, Dave (Kari) of Geneseo, IL, and Robert "Bob" (Lori) of Prairie View, IL. Ed has 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Together Ed and Bea enjoyed many activities, including bicycling, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, motorcycling, and traveling in their 38 foot diesel R.V. Ed spent many years volunteering as a "Naturalist" for the Ryerson Nature Preserve in Riverwoods, IL. He conducted many tours, and provided educational sessions for students and adults. As a remembrance and tribute to Ed and his dedication and love of Ryerson’s Nature Center, the family has requested any donations be directed to the Preservation Foundation of Lake County Forest Preserve District in honor of Edward Jost.

Visitation for Edward R. Jost will be Sunday, 2 to 7 p.m. at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, Ltd., 101 Park Place (Route 176, one block east of Milwaukee Ave.), Libertyville. A Funeral Mass at St. Mary Church in Buffalo Grove will be Monday, July 30th at 10 a.m. with Interment to follow at the cemetery. For information, 847-362-2626 or www.libertyvillefuneralhome.com