Edward A. Kazlauskas

Edward A. Kazlauskas, 60, of Dowagiac, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 13th, 2016.  Ed was surrounded by his loving family after losing his battle to cancer.  Ed was born February 10th, 1956 in Dowagiac to Edward L. & Barbara (Ausra) Kazlauskas. Ed was a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, Class of 1974 and from Southwestern Michigan College.   On May 5th 1978, he married Susan (DeShazo) in Dowagiac. Ed worked for his late father in law, Jim, who established Jim D’s Body Shop. Ed later became owner & operator of Jim D’s, Dowagiac’s oldest established Body Shop. Ed continued working until his time of passing with his son, Jim.   Ed had a passion for fast cars. He was an avid collector of classic cars and Mopar Muscle Cars. Ed was known to many as “Fast Eddie”, the Mopar Man. Many of the cars Ed personally restored with his son, Jim, winning them many first place trophies. Ed was also instrumental in establishing the Dowagiac Rod & Roll Classic Auto Show. Ed & Sue served as co-chairs for 20 years. Ed was a member of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church. Ed enjoyed spending his time boating with his family on Lake Michigan, attending car shows, living life to the fullest and making memories with his family and friends.   Ed is survived by his loving wife Susan; his son James (Mindie) Kazlauskas of Dowagiac; daughter Laura (Marc) Messina of Brighton; his granddaughters Josie Kazlauskas and Marla Messina; his mother Barbara Kazlauskas of Dowagiac; his sisters Sandi (Dale) Wiemuth; Janie (Andy) Reifenberg; and Barbi  Kazlauskas all of Dowagiac. Ed had a large extended family that he loved dearly.  He was preceded in death by his Granddaughter Maggie Sue Kazlauskas on June 11, 2011 and his Father Edward L. Kazlauskas on June 22, 2015.   Ed was loved by all those who knew him. Ed will especially be remembered for his compassionate and friendly personality, quick wit, spirit of adventure and love for life and family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday February 19th 2016 at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, 210 N. Front St., Dowagiac, with Fr. Kevin Covert officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family Thursday February 18th from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac.  Memorial donations may be made to Spinal Muscular Atrophy research in memory of his granddaughter Maggie Sue, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church.  Those wishing to sign Ed’s Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com