Edward D. Palka, age 70, of New Lenox, passed away on May 9, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL after a long battle with cancer. Survived by his children Kristy (Jacob) Makaryk, Michael (Stacy) Palka, Karly (Stephen) Granko, Edward (Nicole) Palka, Kailyn (Nathan) Drewes, his daughter-in-law Natalie Palka, his siblings Cynthia Kravish, Kelly Bilek, April Miller, Robert Miller, and Joy Goldsmith, and 20 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Edward G. Palka and Patricia Miller and his son Jason Palka. Ed was a graduate of Tinley Park High School. He worked for Wille Brothers Company as a truck driver, retiring after 30 years. Ed enjoyed bowling, the Chicago Cubs, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Ed enjoyed rehabbing his homes, a DIY extraordinaire, knowing that his rehab was going to need a redo soon. Ed was a guy who marched to the beat of his own drum; he did what he wanted when he wanted. Per Edward's wishes, cremation has been respectfully addressed. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.