Edward Lee Jelf Sr., 90, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 8:55 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019 at The Fountains of Granite City. He was born December 18, 1928 in Granite City, a son of the late Paul Jelf and Stella Louise (Street) Pinon. He married Mary (Fair) Jelf in 1962 in Granite City and she passed away on August 28, 1999.
Ed’s life filled with his music began at an early age, entertaining folks at the age of 5 as “Little Eddie” on a radio show and at the age of 16 made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. His talent with the rhythm guitar and banjo was known throughout the music industry. Throughout the years, he played with the Eddikets, Ed and Friends, Memories of Minnie Pearl and recently was playing with The Western Band with SWIC Senior Volunteer Program.
Working many years throughout the Granite City and surrounding area, he provided special entertainment to others for many events. He was a member of Nameoki United Methodist Church in Granite City, Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Musicians Local. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Nancy and Mike Chosich of Chatham, Illinois, Linda and Paul Shane of Granite City, Edward and Jeanette Jelf Jr. of Granite City and Liz and Dan Miller Hillsboro, Missouri; six grandchildren and their spouses, Christy Chosich of Moberly, Missouri, Paula and Dominic Torimino of Granite City, Steve Chosich of St. Louis, Missouri, Laura and Steve Broska of Granite City, David and Amy Barzoff of Charlotte, North Carolina and Sara and Alex Lakin of St. Louis, Missouri; thirteen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; stepson-in-law, V.E. Walthes of Marion, Illinois; stepgranddaughter and her husband, Heather and Larry Snodgrass of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; special friends, Marietta and Jim Chapman; other extended family and many friends.
In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce; stepdaughter, Diane Walthes; stepgranddaughter, Lydia Renn; a stepgreat-grandson and special friend, Candy. In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Friday, January 11, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until service at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Sherman Smith officiating. A procession will leave Irwin Chapel on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10:45 a.m. for burial at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or to the Kramer and Hand Community Garden in Hillsboro, Missouri and may be accepted at the funeral home.
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