Edward Francis Ucinski Jr. of St. Louis passed away on July 3, 2011, at 68. Born on Oct. 23, 1942, he was the beloved son of the late Edward F. Ucinski Sr. and Lillian E. Ucinski, and the brother of Michael J. Ucinski. He was interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Lemay Township, St. Louis County, Mo., where he rests alongside other members of the Ucinski family.
Edward was the devoted father of Edward F. Ucinski III and the proud grandfather of Edward F. "Kirk" Ucinski IV. He was also known as the son of Edward Sr., a World War II veteran and former prisoner of war. His family's military legacy later received public recognition when Kirk accepted a long-overdue Bronze Star medal on behalf of the family.
A member of St. Mary's High School's Class of 1960, Edward later attended St. Louis Community College-Meramec using benefits provided through the GI Bill following his military service.
In 1964, Edward enlisted in the Army, serving honorably until 1967. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and advanced individual training at Fort Polk, La. During the Vietnam War era, he was assigned to Europe as a member of the Berlin Brigade, serving at McNair Barracks in Lichterfelde, southwest Berlin.
Edward began his military career in the infantry (11B Infantryman) before transferring to the intelligence section as a 71L Administrative Specialist/Record Clerk. The reassignment came after a personnel sergeant recognized his clerical talents through his personnel records.
While stationed in Germany, Edward met Ruth Ingeborg, a German civilian employee working with the Army. The two shared many memorable experiences together, traveling throughout Berlin and visiting places such as Wannsee Beach, where admission at the time cost only 10 cents.
After completing his military service, Edward returned to St. Louis. Soon afterward, Ruth followed him to the United States. The couple married and built a life together, raising one child and later welcoming a grandchild. Their family home, purchased more than 50 years ago, remained a cornerstone of the Ucinski family's lives. Ruth continues living there, preserving the memories that were created.
Edward's life was defined by his devotion to family, honorable military service, and the enduring legacy he left for future generations of the Ucinski family.
