JACK ARTHUR EDENS, 89, passed away on February 18, 2024. A long-time restaurateur has taken his talents, his secret recipes, his megawatt smile, and all his silly songs to a new venue where he will be serving the Lord. He will rejoin his mother Sally (Thomas), his father Vance, and his stepfather Tony Pope. Also there to greet him are his siblings Wally, Tim, Orrie, and Betty Olmstead. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Crossroads Community Church in Galena, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a church service and dinner to follow. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. Jack was born September 20, 1934, raised in Chicago, and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1952. He then served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he coached baseball, dealt some cards, and blew up a few bridges as a member of the explosives team. When Jack returned, he became the head florist for Pope’s Florist and Garden Center. Jack eventually partnered with his brother Tim and bought the family business from his folks. They parlayed that business into what became the most happening place in Mundelein, Pope’s Garden of Eden – the name honoring both fathers at the same time. Jack moved to Waukegan, sans his brother Tim, to open Double D Pizza in 1978. He found a new partner in business, and in life, Tamara Tiernan. The two married in 1986 and later moved to Galena to open Procento’s Pizzeria with their sons Jack and Ryan. Jack retired in 2019 after many years of bringing joy to people through his food and hospitality. Jack went by numerous nicknames; Smilin’ Jack, Pizza Man, Senior, Jack Pope, Papa Jack, and Mr. Jack, just to name a few. Jack enjoyed spending his free time fishing at Jim’s Pond, but never believe the fish stories! Wherever Jack went, there was sure to be a song and a smile to follow, even if he did make up his own words to most of his songs. Jack was always full of jokes, and he found true joy in making others laugh. Jack was an avid fan of Chicago sports teams; he loved the Chicago Cubs and Da’ Bears. Jack also liked to hustle his family on all sporting events, as he never lost a football bet. He will always “Be #1” in our hearts. Fear not- all the stories about the man, the myth, the legend of Smilin’ Jack will live into infinity through the people he loved the most and left behind: His beloved wife Tammy, his sister Caroline Adornetto, his daughter Liz Edwards (Dave), his sons Jack (Ella), and Ryan. Stepdaughter Julie (Tim) Deal, his grandchildren, Ally, Ashlyn, Lana, Chelsea (Angel), and Troy, and a ton of admiring nieces and nephews. On behalf of the Edens family, we would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Galena Stauss Nursing Home for the kindness, loving care, and friendship you provided to Jack. Thank you, Dr. Gullone, for the years of care and empathy. A special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their guidance and compassion in Jack’s final days. We pray that God will continue to bless the hands of the healthcare workers who have made such a positive and lasting impact in our lives. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque in Jack’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Jack Arthur Edens
Our deepest sympathy to Jack’s wonderful family. We enjoyed many wonderful meals at Procentos, not to mention wonderful visits with Jack and his entire family. God Bless
Great man. Pat and I will miss his smile.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We knew Jack from our many visits to Procento’s Pizza Parlor. He would always come out of the kitchen to greet us. Many times we would be greeted at the bar and have a nice conversation prior to leaving with our order. Always had a beautiful smile and a nice word to say. He made the best pizza in town. Cherish the memories. God Bless you.
Jack was a great man that I’ve known for many years we’ve had some great laughs and he will be missed
With deepest sympathies to Tammy and the family. RIP Jack
Sincerely, Jackie Faille
I’m truly sorry for the families loss! Jack was a great and well known man! He will missed by so many. R.I.P sending my deepest condolences.
I’m so sorry Tammy. Mt prayers are with you. – Cousin Genevieve
I’m so sorry Tammy. Mt prayers are with you. – Cousin Genevieve
Jack had a spirit like none other. He was a wonderful mentor when I was just a kid working in a pizza shop. Many memories and laughs I will never forget. I hope the Edens family find strength and peace. Sending my deepest condolences. Kim Case and family.
so sorry for your loss he will surely be missed by all
So Sorry to hear about Jack passing away. I was a waitress @ Cafe Italia in Galena in 2001-2003 while I went to Nursing school. His pizzas were the best. You have my sympathy.
Dear Tammy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Jack, he was an amazing, sweet, funny and caring man in this community. I’ll never forget him for being a “dad” to Sean after Kurt died, he really helped Sean so much during that period of time. I’m glad you have many, many years of wonderful memories of him-it will help you get through these dark times in the first years. You have my heartfelt condolences.
Rest Jack. You, your family and Procento’s will forever be one of my earliest and fondest memories of moving to Dubuque. Peace and strength to all your family.
I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was the 1st sponsor of our bowling team and we packed Double D pizza every Friday night. A very nice man…he will be missed. Thankyou for some great memories, Jack. Peace be with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy to Jack’s family. May the Lord bless you with many fond memories and comfort you in your sorrow.
Tammy. My thoughts are with you as your walk through this chapter of your life. Be at peace to know he is now watching over you and maybe even making pizzas for everyone above.
We are sorry for your loss. Though we did not get to spend alot of time with him Jack was a wonderful fun person to be around. To Liz and Dave and Ally – you are in our thoughts and am sending love to you all as wellas all the rest of the family.
What I do and what I dream includes thee
And when I sue God for myself he hears that name of thine and sees within my eyes the tears of two
Sweetest man and was my luck to have crossed paths and enjoyed his upbeat humor and outlooks!
Jack we will think about you and big smile.
To Tammy and Family:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Jack was a special person. First met him at Walmart’s Garden center where he gave me expert advise on plants I was purchasing for our new home in Galena. Always smiling and joyful. Later began going to the best pizza place in town. Always came to our table to talk to us. Time passes so quickly. My husband passed June 2022 and I have moved to Florida with the younger kids. Will always remember the jokes and smile of this special guy.
Memories of Jack, will live forever, both in our thoughts and especially in our HEARTS.
Tammy,
Thinking of you and your family at this time. Jack was a wonderful man and made great pizzas.
Barb and Les Gack
Tammy,
Thinking of you and your family. Jack was a wonderful person and a great pizza maker. Sorry for your loss.
Barb and Les Gack
Jack was my boss at my first job working at Pope’s lawn and garden center. I learned so much from him about hard work, and how to treat people. People just loved the man ! I will always remember him, and speak highly of him. Many good times with Jack. God bless you Jack.
Sincerely, Pat O’Rourke , or Legs, as he called me.