Edward Prein (Ed) 85, of Grand Rapids passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018, after a long illness. Ed, son of Casper and Marie (Wendling) Prein, was born July 9, 1932. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School (1951) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame (1955) and a Masters in Structural Engineering from Michigan State University (1956). In 1957, after completing his service to his country as an Officer in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in Washington, DC, he returned to Grand Rapids and worked as a civil engineer. In 1969, Ed and Tom Newhof founded Prein and Newhof, a civil engineering firm. Ed was both a Professional Engineer (PE) and Registered Land Surveyor (RLS). Ed was involved in numerous professional and civic organizations and served as President of the local and state chapters of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Association of the Professions, Grand Rapids North Rotary and Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids. He chaired the Notre Dame Engineering Advisory Council and served as a director of the MSU College of Engineering Alumni Association. He also served on both the Boards of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Foundation and Founders Trust. Ed was a loving husband, father and grandfather; an unassuming and willing giver of time, talent and treasure. His many enjoyments included music, carpentry and finishing, architectural design, tree clearing, making fine furniture, tennis, skiing and Notre Dame football, and most of all being with his family at the cottage on Torch Lake. Survivors include Ed’s wife of 54 years, June (Schubmehl) Prein, his five children and nine grandchildren, Cathy Prein; Eddie (Amy) Prein, Allie, Eddie Jr. and Erin; Marie (Joe) Parzych, Kate, Joey and Jake; Mark (Marti) Prein, Emma and Abby; Maggie (Eric) Niemi and Ethan. Ed’s sister, Loretta Miles, and several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Moore. Many thanks to the caregivers of Gauthier Family Home Care and the staff and families at Green House Home #2 for all their kindness over the past three years. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 15, 2-4 PM (Rosary 3:30 PM) and 6-8 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 16, at 11 AM at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr., Ada, MI 49301, with visitation one hour prior to the mass. Father Len Sudlik presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Alzheimer’s Research at Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224 or the Edward and June Prein Family Pediatric Music Therapy Program, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation, 100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
5 Responses
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Prein, Cathy, and the rest of the family.
Our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Prein and the entire Prein family. May God grant you peace and may you find comfort in His blessings and presence. We are truly sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Cliff and Elizabeth Brink
Cathy and all of the Prein Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Mrs. Prein,
I am also at Porter Hills but in the E. Fulton Street complex. First, I want to tell you that I have known Ed since I was on the Plainfield Township board in the late 60s and early 70s. I was there when Williams & Works was our Engineering company. I also voted to give our business to Ed and Tom when they started their own company. Ed was a sterling person, without question.
I missed seeing him over the years that my career took me to a different city until retirement. When I learned that Ed was in one of our Green Houses, I also realized it was too late to connect with him because of his illness. My wife has had Alzheimer’s for 10-11 years and is in our Health Center. The last two years I have not been able to take care of her but can see her practically every day because of my closeness.
Two or three years ago, I noticed that you and your family had set up a fund to help people get their first ID bracelet. I appreciated that and it took me back to the days when we expanded the water system and put in a sanitary sewer system. I know that Ed’s death is a great loss to you and your family, and I want you to know that I send my prayers and sympathy because I have an idea of what you have gone through.
I am sorry I could not make it to the memorial service, but I want you to know that I send my prayers to you and your family.
Robert E. Carlson
Dear June,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I learned only recently of Ed’s passing, noting a mass in his memory in the church bulletin. I’m so sorry not to have known sooner.
I have fond memories of Ed. Such a gentle, caring soul! And I’m sad that such a brilliant mind succumbed to the ravages of dementia. I will be keeping both you, Ed, and your family in my prayers as you grieve his loss. Should you be in Elk Rapids this summer, I would really like to see you and share some time together.
Blessings,
Sharon Bacon