Edward Du Plessis, 83, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2017, during a brief stay at Midwest Medical Center, Galena, IL due to complications from a previous stroke. The visitation will be held from 4 – 7 PM, Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, 100 Carol-don Ct, Galena.  Visitation 10 – 11 AM, Friday, August 11, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dubuque, IA Chapel, 685 Fremont Ave, Dubuque. Funeral Service will be immediately following the visitation. The procession will travel to Prospect Hill Cemetery at 7762 W Cemetery Rd, Galena for graveside services. Ed was born on November 24, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Edward Thomas Du Plessis and Edna Virginia Lenihan. He was married on March 12, 1958 to the love of his life, Gretchen Philips. Their marriage was sealed for eternity at the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 4, 1972. Ed was a graduate of Glenbard West High School, Glen Ellyn, IL. While attending, he was selected First Team All-Chicago Suburban Baseball Team and had the opportunity to play at Wrigley Field. He graduated with a business degree from North Central College, Naperville, IL, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. After college graduation, Ed signed a Major League baseball contract with the Baltimore Orioles and played in their Minor League system. He served in the US Navy and Reserves from 1956-1962. During his active duty time, he also played in the Naval Baseball League. Sports were one of his life’s passions. Ed was a convert and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in various callings. As a Home Teacher, he faithfully served and fellowshipped many families. Ed left a legacy of work ethic and moral character which will greatly affect generations to follow. As a commissioned salesman, Ed and Gretchen were able to fulfill their dream of moving to Galena from the Chicago area in 1978, and they enjoyed every moment here. He had a great passion for the land and could always be found working on his property in some way. Ed welcomed many to his home to enjoy social and recreational activities. He and Gretchen will be remembered lovingly by many youth of Galena, church missionaries, Boy Scouts, the Marshallese community and many others with fond memories. Ed had a great love for the Galena sports and band communities. He loved attending band concerts, coaching youth in both basketball and baseball and eating at Culvers. He was a great sports mentor and will always be remembered for his avid attendance. Ed will be dearly missed by his sister, Marion; The children of his late son Edward: Edward Jr. (Whitney Hawkins), Jessica, Kayla; Douglas (Nancy Voigtlaender), children Alex (Krista Larsen), Spencer (Kiana Alleyne) and Tyler; Wendy (Benjamin Mullane), children Drew Flack (Alyssa Hayes), Logan Flack, Mackenzie and Sawyer; Daniel (Melissa Wright), children Ashley ( Adam Bonney), Amanda (Devin Huch), Nicholas and Benjamin; Steven (Destiny Parker), children Corian, Keiran, Karsyn and Caiden; Jeanne (Steven Holland), children Hunter, Ainsley, Avery, Dallin and Xavier and eleven great grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edna, and two sisters June and Carol. Also preceded by his wife Gretchen, daughter Heather, son Edward and wife Laura (Wright).  Online condolences maybe left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com