News Summary
North Chicago is grieving the loss of Edward ‘Eddie’ Mateja, a cherished community figure who passed away at 95. Eddie was known for his love of life, adventure, and golfing with family and friends. His legacy will live on through his devoted family and the memories he’s created in the community.
North Chicago Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Community Member, Edward “Eddie” Mateja
The city of North Chicago is grieving the passing of a cherished local figure, Edward “Eddie” Mateja, who peacefully departed this world at the age of 95 on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Eddie took his last breath surrounded by loving care at the Whitehall of Deerfield Nursing Home, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and a zest for life.
A Life Well-Lived
Born on October 5, 1929, Eddie was the proud son of Joseph and Mary Mateja. His journey began in North Chicago, where he spent his formative years, deeply engraining himself in the community he cherished. Eddie displayed resilience at a young age, proudly serving his country in the United States Army, showcasing his commitment and dedication.
Once home, he flourished professionally as a machinist, paving his career at Profile Gear in Libertyville, Illinois. After years of hard work, Eddie retired, allowing him more time to enjoy his many passions.
A Passion for Adventure
Travel was a significant part of Eddie’s life; he loved exploring new places, especially savoring the sun-soaked winters in Arizona. Not one to shy away from good times, he also embraced his love for golf, regularly hitting the fairways with friends and family. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, became a beloved destination for him, further reflecting his adventurous spirit.
In addition to his travel escapades, Eddie was a devoted sports fan. His enthusiasm for sports was contagious, and he could always be found cheering with fervor, bringing friends and family together around the love of the game.
Loved Ones Left Behind
Eddie was notably survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Mateja, with whom he shared 40 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a loving home that brought joy to everyone around them. Eddie is also survived by his daughter, Diana Ceso, and stepdaughters Deborah Markus, Jacquelyn (Larry) Benson, and Laura (Patrick) Schroeder. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and was blessed to have 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, establishing a beloved legacy that will be cherished for generations.
Eddie’s family ties extended beyond his immediate household, as he is also survived by siblings: Dennis Mateja, Vicky (Jim) Nelson, Madelyn Anderson, and Stella Walenter, along with a host of nieces and nephews who adored him. However, the family has also faced the heartache of loss, as Eddie was preceded in death by his son, David Mateja; son-in-law, Anthony Ceso; stepdaughter, Katherine Kerby; and siblings: Stanley Mateja, Bernie Jenner, and Theresa Morgan.
Final Farewell
As Edward Mateja’s family and friends prepare to celebrate his remarkable life, a funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025. The service will take place at the Gurnee Salata Funeral Home, located at 4190 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, IL 60031. Memorial visitation will commence from 10 am to 11 am, with the service starting promptly at 11 am.
After the service, Eddie will be laid to rest at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois, where he will join his loved ones who have passed before him. In a gesture fitting for a man of such compassion, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. This provides a way for Eddie’s legacy of kindness and care to continue, helping children in need.
The community of North Chicago has lost a true gem in Edward “Eddie” Mateja, a man who will be fondly remembered for his love, laughter, and spirit of adventure.
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Additional Resources
- Chicago Tribune: Edward Mateja Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- PennLive: Stanley Mateja Obituary
- Google Search: Edward Mateja obituary
- Chicago Tribune: Music Rooted in Bohemia
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
