Edward J. Tabaczka, age 81 of Manistee, Michigan, died Sunday, January 22, 2017 at his home.

He was born on September 26, 1935 in Manistee, Michigan, son of the late Katherine (Kushnak) and Stanley Tabaczka. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, Class of 1954. Edward served our country in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960 as a dental technician.

Throughout his lifetime, Edward was employed with Clark Oil and Manistee County Transportation up until his retirement in 2015.

Edward was Captain of the Manistee County Sheriff's Auxiliary prior to 1990, volunteering his time to help local citizens, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel extract victims during catastrophic situations.

He was very active in music and sound support throughout his life. He greatly enjoyed playing drums with his brothers in various polka bands entertaining people throughout western Michigan. He was also proud to provide sound support for the Memorial Day services at Oak Grove Cemetery for over 20 years. Edward was a dedicated promoter, preserver, and sharer of Manistee history providing the most informative of tours each summer to locals and tourists aboard the Manistee Trolley.

He is survived by his six children Maria (Meril) Dean of Traverse City, Karen (Rick) Clouse of Manistee, Lisa (Rich Schafer) Tabaczka, Michael Tabaczka, both of Muskegon, Nick (Holly) Tabaczka of Anchorage, AK, and Jennifer (Michael) Eversole of Grand Rapids.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alexis, Jasmine, Trevor, Logan, Silas, and Ryder. Also surviving is his brother Aloysius Tabaczka. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Preceding him in death were his parents Katherine and Stanley, brothers Anthony, Bill and Jerry; sisters Cecilia and Florence Tabaczka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Richard Schaeffer officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7pm to 9 pm and on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until leaving for the church at 10:40 AM. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.