Roselle veteran to be honored during Blackhawks game

Edward Schubel never misses an opportunity to cheer for the Chicago Blackhawks.

On Sunday night, the organization is giving others the chance to applaud him.

Schubel, a retired physical education teacher for Itasca School District 10, will be honored by the Blackhawks and USO for his military service during World War II.

Schubel, an 85-year-old Roselle resident, will be the “featured veteran” during the Blackhawks home game against the Los Angeles Kings, according to his granddaughter Lindsay Schubel.

“Our whole family are huge Blackhawks fans, so him being honored by them and the USO is just amazing,” Lindsay Schubel said.

The Blackhawks and USO honors members and veterans of the military during all home games. Schubel and an active serviceman both are expected to take part in festivities on the ice during the national anthem. Then they will be introduced to the crowd during the second period.

Lindsay Schubel said her grandfather is “beyond excited” about attending the game at the United Center.

“He pulled out all of his medals yesterday to have them ready for Sunday,” she said.

Edward Schubel served in the Pacific as a Marine during World War II before moving to Itasca. He lived in Itasca for 48 years before moving to Roselle in 1996.

In addition to teaching physical education for 38 years with District 10, Schubel is a former Chicago Park District lifeguard and was a volunteer Itasca police officer from 1951 to 1968. He also is the Itasca Lions Club's longest current member.

Lindsay Schubel says her grandfather watches every Blackhawks game. “He loves it when the family will watch it with him,” she said.