Edmund Hermann Hendzlik, 79, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 8, 2025.

Ed was born on May 12, 1946, in Kriftel, Germany to Feliks and Annemarie Hendzlik. At the age of five, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and oldest sister, settling in Kansas City, Missouri. He arrived speaking no English, and his early years in school were challenging, as his teachers spoke no German. Despite these difficulties, Ed persevered and later attended the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. He was the oldest of five siblings.

He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. After returning to Missouri, Ed met the love of his life, Janie, at a party. On their first date, Ed told her he was going to marry her. Janie replied, “We’ll see about that!” After meeting in November, they were engaged in January and married in July. Not long after, Jennifer was born – proof that he was right all along. They shared 54 years of marriage living in Kansas City, Joplin, and Springfield, Missouri. Ed was a food broker which led to many conversations where Janie and Jenny tried to explain what that was over the years but at least there were Heinz pickle pins in elementary school which upped a certain kid’s street cred for a few weeks.

Ed was an avid fisherman and initially spent his time fishing tournaments while Janie pursued her interest in bells. That changed when a national bell convention came to St. Louis and Ed was told he had to go. He met all the bell people and saw, in person, all the bells he had only seen in pictures. He was hooked. From then on, Ed pursued unusual bells and the knowledge surrounding them. He became deeply involved in the bell-collecting community with Janie. He gave programs, created displays, and made lifelong friends, including The Fun Bunch.

Despite his curmudgeonly exterior, those close to him knew that Ed had a kind heart, a wicked sense of humor, and the ability to wax poetic about topics ranging from opera and trilobites to things you’d never even heard of before. He kept us on our toes with his big, booming voice and outrageous laugh. He was happiest when taking care of his girls, and that often manifested in planning and preparing the most excellent dinners. He cherished his heritage, and experiencing his joy at a Christkindlmarkt – talking with German and Polish artisans – is something we will not soon forget.

Ed will be remembered for his enduring curiosity, dedication to family, love of scotch, and the many friendships he formed through his passions. He loved good music and great books. He was fond of saying, “Never deny yourself the opportunity to experience new things.” To honor him, we ask each of you to relish in the delight of something new – whether it be travel, adventure, a good book, or a great meal with friends. He would have loved it.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Janie Hendzlik; his daughter, Jennifer (Jeff) of Denver, Colorado; and three sisters, Halina Hendzlik, Christina Hendzlik, and Lorraine Franklin (Joel) of Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Feliks and Annemarie Hendzlik, and his brother, Richard Hendzlik.

Ed was a proud veteran and was laid to rest with military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Memorial donations in Ed’s honor may be made to the American Bell Association:

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