Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Edward Hida of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin passed away while he slept peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his wife Heidi and is survived by son Edward Hida (Ann) of Dousman, Wisconsin; daughter Karen Kozlowski (Kevin) of West Allis, Wisconsin; daughter Catherine Scalzo (David) of New Berlin, Wisconsin; his 7 grandchildren, other loving relatives and cherished friends.

Ed was born in Sacramento, California on February 8, 1931, during the depths of the Great Depression. As a child, Ed, his mother, father, brother and other relatives were all interned during World War II in a Japanese American internment camp. After the war, the family relocated to Milwaukee. Despite his early experiences in the internment camp, Ed loved America and ultimately lived a life full of service to others.

Heidi and Ed met at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and Kenwood Methodist Church Wesley Foundation and subsequently married on October 15, 1960 at the old First Methodist Church on 10th and Wisconsin Avenue.

Ed attended and graduated from University of Wisconsin, Madison with a BS in Correctional Administration; Florida State University with a MSW in Clinical Social Work; University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a MS in Educational Psychology; University of California, Berkeley with a Certificate in Public Health and Marquette University with a Certificate in Business Management in preparation for his life’s career as a social worker and health care executive.

Ed’s career spanned over 60 years and he lived a life of service and helping others both in his professional work as well as in his volunteer work. Among other things, he was proud of his military service in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Some of his earliest professional work was as a social worker at several facilities in Southeast Wisconsin. Ed continued on to help people with alcohol and drug addiction and for years was the President and CEO of DePaul Hospital, a major regional alcohol and drug addiction treatment hospital and care network. After DePaul, Ed was the Vice President of Residential Services for the Milwaukee Protestant Home. Later, in semi-retirement, he continued to serve through his work as a social worker and consultant with various care programs and facilities. He also served throughout his life on numerous professional, service organization, community, and other boards and groups as well as being active in local politics. Among the many service organizations he participated in, Ed was especially passionate about the Lions Club, Sertoma Club and the American Red Cross as well as the Pilot’s Club where Heidi was club president of the Milwaukee Pilot Club and Governor of the Midwest District of Pilot International. Ed’s service and accomplishments for the various organizations he participated in were recognized with many awards.

Ed enjoyed cars, buying and selling them, maintaining them, and of course owning and driving them. His favorite car was probably a red MGB roadster that he loved to drive in the summer on Wisconsin’s winding country roads. Ed was also an avid photographer, especially of nature scenes in the National Parks. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Lake Michigan surrounded by his family and was proud of his son and daughters leading productive lives and their growing families. Ed loved having his cat, Neko (Japanese for “cat”) at his side.

His family is deeply grateful for the caregivers at Discovery Commons / Heartis Village Brookfield who provided thoughtful care in his final days.

A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 639 North 25th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Gathering will be 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Memorial service following at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ed’s memory to the Wisconsin Lions Club, Central United Methodist Church of Milwaukee, the Japanese American Citizens League or a charity of your choice.