H. Edward Tolle

The story concluded quietly at age 85 for H. Edward "Ed" Tolle with one last, tired (painless) exhale early in the morning of October 11, 2019 at JourneyCare Pepper Family Hospice Care Center in Barrington, IL. Among many earthly accomplishments, impressive scholarly advancements, medical survivals and numerous career achievements in his long life, Ed’s greatest gifts were those he shared generously: a quick wit, brilliant and prolific storytelling, love for learning and his indiscriminate and genuine kindness. Most memorable was his deep respect, admiration and unwavering love and devotion for his best friend, equal partner and wife of 62 years, Jean (Bashor) Tolle. Ed is survived by Jean, children Jeff (Judy) Tolle and Anne Tolle; and, Ed’s grandchildren, Madeline and Eddie Tolle; Frank, Claire and Emma Rose Waliczek.

H. Edward "Ed" Tolle was born in 1933 to Lynette (nee Greaney) and Horace Rogers Tolle in Mattoon, IL. His sister Frances (nee Tancy) was already 18, and brother William "Bill" was nine years older. Motherless by the time he was two months old, Ed was raised by his father, late-night radio, literature, grandparents, beloved nanny, “Baa,” and eventually the Western Military Academy in St. Louis. He earned a B.S. in Geology from DePauw University. Next, the Midwestern boy went West, deferring his US Air Force commitment, to pursue a M.S. degree in Geology at Stanford University. While there, Ed met a Stanford girl from California who equally enjoyed beer, debate and literature. Jean and Ed Tolle married in 1957 and drove from Piedmont, CA to Ed’s second phase of flight school in San Angelo, TX (first was in Marana Base, Arizona). Ed’s first duty with the USAF took them to Sumter, SC where their son Jeff was born. From there, Ed entered civilian life with Carter Oil in Grand Rapids, MI as a petroleum engineer. After two years and one open heart surgery, he took his young family and returned to Stanford to earn an MBA.  Soon, Exxon called, they moved to Houston, and daughter Anne was born a Texan. When United Airlines called seven years later, the family found their hometown in Barrington, IL where the family has resided since 1972. Most recently, Ed and Jean have been enjoying life at The Garlands of Barrington.

Husband, Dad, Friend, USAF Veteran, American, Sigma Chi, Stanford University & DePauw Alum, colleague, mentor, boss, Christian, community volunteer and storyteller.  A Classic to be celebrated. Loved.

Please extend your appreciation for Ed and his family by sharing a story or attending a Celebration of Life Service on Friday, November 1, at 10:00am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 337 Ridge Rd, Barrington Hills, IL.  All friends are welcome to join the family for a luncheon buffet at Barrington Hills Country Club immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital (for the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit), Advocate Charitable Foundation, 3075 Highland Parkway, Suite 600, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or advocategiving.org or JourneyCare Foundation, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025, or journeycare.org/donate.