Obituaries
Obituary: Edward J. Phelan, DVM
Founder of Shorewood Animal Hospital leaves behind cherished memories.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Edward J. Phelan, DVM
Edward J. Phelan, DVM, age 88, of Carol Stream, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. Born and raised in Ransom, IL, Edward was the son of the late Arthur H. and Margaret R. (nee Vint) Phelan. He was a graduate of Ransom Grade School, St. Bede Academy, Peru, IL, and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Champaign, IL.
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After college, Edward spent two years in the United States Air Force before relocating to Joliet, IL. He practiced veterinary medicine at the Animal Hospital of Joliet before founding Shorewood Animal Hospital in 1976. Edward retired in 2002 to Plainfield, IL, before moving to Carol Stream in 2023. During his retirement, Ed enjoyed golfing, traveling, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and spending special time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Edward is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara J. (nee DeJanovich) Phelan; his children, Lori Sorensen, Christine (Daniel) DeFalco, and Michael (Sandra) Phelan; nine grandchildren, Stephanie Sorensen, Jenna (Mark) Weyler, Angela DeFalco, Nicole DeFalco, Edward DeFalco, Corrie Phelan, Dalton Phelan, Delaney Phelan, and Cole Phelan; one great-grandson, Frank Weyler. He is survived by his brother, Luke (Judy) Phelan, many nieces and nephews, and loving extended family, Peter and Michelle Honiotes.
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He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leo and Paul Phelan; sister-in-law, Margaret Phelan; niece, Mary (Phelan) Kruger; nephews, Mark and John Phelan; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services for Dr. Edward J. Phelan will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 129 S. Division St., Plainfield, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to St. Bede Academy in Peru or St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Plainfield would be appreciated.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.