Edward Mikan was a DePaul University basketball legend who earned a spot in the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame and played on famed coach Ray Meyer's first National Invitational Tournament Championship team in 1945.

Meyer said he was "a great friend who never complained once in his life."

"I've probably been in closer contact with Ed Mikan than any other player I met in 55 years of working for DePaul," Meyer added. "He had a great way with basketball, but I'll always remember Ed as a man who never asked for anything, but always offered to help others."

Mr. Mikan, 74, of Westmont, died Friday at La Grange Memorial Hospital after complications from surgery.

His life was closely intertwined with that of his older brother, George, who also played on the 1945 NIT championship team.

Mr. Mikan played basketball at Joliet Catholic High School and was a star center on the team, drawing enough attention to head straight to a spot on DePaul's Blue Demons basketball team.

"He darn near broke all my records," said George Mikan. "We later played against each other in the pros, and it's difficult playing your brother because of the emotions there."

After playing one professional season with the Philadelphia Warriors, Mr. Mikan engaged in various business ventures. As a housing contractor, he developed numerous Westmont-area properties.

Mr. Mikan also owned a bowling alley and a limousine service.

One of his daughters, Jo Ann Murphy, recalled him as a man who was a strict yet supportive father.

"He was gentle, sensitive, proud and private, and having his family get together for a meal was so important to him," said Murphy.

Mr. Mikan also helped Meyer run his Wisconsin basketball camp.

In addition to his brother and daughter, Mr. Mikan is survived by three sons, Edward Jr., Charles and Richard; two other daughters, Diane Cavanaugh and Rosanne Nicholson; and 10 grandchildren. A mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Jude Catholic Church of Joliet, 2212 McDonough St., Joliet.

Edward Mikan (1925)