Edward F. Kanieski Jr.

Edward F. Kanieski Jr., age 80, of Onalaska, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Onalaska Care Center, surrounded by his family. He was born February 4, 1945 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the son of Edward Sr. and Mildred Kanieski.

He graduated from the Wisconsin School for the Blind in Janesville WI, 1964, then went to UW-Stevens Point earning a Bachelors in Science. After graduating from Point, he worked as a rehab counselor for the State of Wisconsin helping the disabled find employment. He worked with the disabled his entire life, giving them the independence he treasured.

Our Father was a gearhead! Cars, trucks, aircraft, motorcycles and other things he simply couldn’t use absolutely fascinated him. He never had a drivers license but could drive fine—he just couldn’t see. He taught his boys to maintain their vehicles and enjoyed rides on the back of their motorcycles. He was team Indian, while his sons rode Harleys. Still, there was peace in the house.

He had a remarkable memory. Phone numbers, addresses, navigation, an encyclopedic knowledge of 60’s muscle cars. The guy was a walking Rolodex.

He is survived by his sons, Edward “Clay” (Christal) Kanieski of St. Joseph Ridge and Clinton Kanieski of Onalaska; grandchildren, Faith, Hope, and Amber; and sisters-in-law Jean (Butch) Porter of Wyocena and Linette Helgerson of Deforest.

Preceding Edward in death is his wife of 47 years, Colleen in 2021; his brother, Daniel in 2015; and his parents.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Onalaska City Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Emplify Hospice for caring for our Dad at the Onalaska Care Center at the end of his life. All of you were truly remarkable.