Edward "Ed" Arthur Napierala's Obituary
Edward Arthur Napierala, 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 7, 1947, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Edward and Marion (Demsky) Napierala. Raised in the Saginaw area, Ed carried with him a deep sense of community, purpose, and dedication throughout his life.After graduating from high school, Ed pursued his education at the University of Michigan, earning an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering. He continued at the University of Michigan to achieve his master's degree in hospital administration-a field in which he would leave a lasting impact. Ed served as Chief Operating Officer at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw, and later as COO, then CEO, of West Branch Regional Medical Center. His leadership, professionalism, and compassion shaped the hospitals and communities he served.On December 27, 1974, Ed married the love of his life, Regina. Their story began at St. Mary Hospital, where Ed was consulting and Regina was working-an encounter that would grow into more than fifty years of partnership, devotion, and adventure. Together, they built a life defined by family, travel, and shared dreams.After retiring, Ed and Regina moved to Lakeview in 2017, where Ed fully embraced lake life. A skilled woodworker, he remodeled a cottage into their beautiful retirement home-a labor of love and craftsmanship. He found joy in quiet mornings by the water, projects in his workshop, and time spent with the people he treasured most.Ed was a man of remarkable determination. His lifelong goal was to run the equivalent distance around the Earth-24,901 miles-which he proudly accomplished, running every day after work for years. His passion for exploring the world led him to visit 102 countries, creating memories and stories that he freely shared with family and friends.Above all, Ed's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Regina; his children Scott (Shelly) Napierala, Jill (Mike) Williams, and Lisa (Adam) Jones; and his cherished grandchildren Nolan and Colin Napierala, Jack and Kellen Williams, and Myra Jones. He also leaves behind his siblings Dolores Nagy, Mary (Terry) Mehren, James (Debbie) Napierala, and his in-laws, Robert (Debra) Cherry, Dan (Pam) Wolpert, Michael (Marcia) Wolohan, Keith (Connie) Hammis, Michael (Lori) Hammis, Valarie Hammis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marion, his in-laws, Keith and Patricia Hammis, his granddaughter, Edie Grace Williams, and brothers-in-law, John Nagy, Robert Hammis.Ed will be remembered for his strength, his unwavering work ethic, his adventurous spirit, and his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he adored, and the example of dedication and generosity he set for all who knew him.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Francis de Sales in Lakeview, with Reverend James VanderLaan as celebrant. Ed's family will greet friends from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, November 18th at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Lakeview, and beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to Hospice of Michigan or charity of your choice.
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