Edward A. Vlcek, 82, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on November 6, 2025 at Chelsea Hospital. Ed was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 2, 1943, the son of James and Ann (Hrach) Vlcek. Moving from Ann Arbor, he spent the last 43 years of his life in Chelsea, where he became a dedicated and active member of the community.
Ed was a hardworking and passionate individual, known for his contributions to both local sports and civic organizations. He owned and operated his own construction company for many years, and was a familiar face on the field as an official for various sports including football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball. Ed’s commitment to the Chelsea community extended beyond his work, as he was deeply involved with the Chelsea Athletic Boosters and the Chelsea Community Fair. From 2000 to 2024, he served as an Executive Trustee for the Athletic Boosters, and for many years, he was in charge of the Chelsea Fair gates. He also volunteered during the initial construction of Timber Town in 1997, lending his time and talents. He was affectionately known as the "Popcorn Kernel" for Boy Scout Troop 425.
In recognition of his lifetime of service, Ed was honored as Chelsea’s Citizen of the Year in 2015 for his timeless contributions to the Chelsea community. Outside of his volunteer work, Ed had a passion for dogs. He spent time in his younger years breeding and showing Siberian Huskies, which included several AKC champions.
On October 16, 1982, Ed married Catherine L. "Cathy" Bennett, and she survives. He is also survived by four children: Beth (Allen) Cegelis of Chelsea, Steven (Annette) Vlcek of Manchester, Jenelle (Scott) Edwards of Spring Arbor, and Nathan (Aubrey Erickson) Vlcek of Whitmore Lake; seven grandchildren: Kelsi (Will) Drudy, Rachel Malcolm, Brock (Lyza) Vlcek, Abbie (Drew) Ellison, Caitlin Vlcek, Colton Edwards, and Garrett Edwards, as well as six great-grandchildren: Liam, Kenedi, Lincoln, Lawton, Aiden, and Lainey. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, November 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair, Chelsea Athletic Boosters, or Manchester Wrestling.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
