David Eden

David Alan Eden – Age 64
November 26, 1960 – March 12, 2025
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
In the late evening of March 12th, looking heavenward with loved ones by his side, David Alan Eden (Bud) slipped away very peacefully to begin his new journey. He was 64 years old.
David was born the youngest of five children to Daniel Eden and Marilyn (Rice) Eden on November 26th, 1960 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. In 1963, his family moved to the wooded farm country of Pleasant Valley outside of Leon, Wisconsin where he grew to adulthood. He attended Leon Elementary School and graduated in 1978 from Sparta High School. Both of his parents and his brother Tom preceded him in death. His three surviving siblings are Nancy Eden Potter, Kathy Eden Borja, and Jim Eden (Kari).
David was a loving father and stepfather. He is survived by his three sons from his first marriage to Lori Clark: Matthew Eden (Harmony), Nicholas Eden, and Nelson Eden. His stepsons, Nate Rick and Mike Rick, from their mother's previous relationship, also appreciated his fatherly care.
David is also survived by Linda (Gilbertson) Melby, his soulmate of almost thirty years, with whom he happily shared "their little house in the woods" outside of Black River Falls. Linda's three daughters – Kate Simmons (Nick), Krissy Piskula (Charlie), and "Coach" Kim Simonson (Josh) also claimed him as their own. He has been "Papa" to them and their children. In addition to grandchildren, he is also survived by his nieces and nephews, cousins, and other family members, including -in-laws, who loved him dearly.
David will be remembered as a quiet soul who was humble and patient, gentle and kind. He was soft spoken, but strong and determined, always a trooper and never a complainer even during challenges. He was positive about life and approached it with gratitude, one day at a time. He was witty with a whimsical sense of humor, and always easy to be around. He was spiritual with a solid faith in God. David was a deep thinker, an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and devoted researcher when a subject was of interest to him. He could quietly share his knowledge in deep one-on-one conversations about a variety of topics. Professionally, David was a highly skilled carpenter, but he was especially known for his precise craftsmanship in laying hardwood floors. His reputation made him highly sought after and he was well respected for his beautiful work and dependable work ethic.
A lover of nature, David was happiest when he could be outside. Even as a young child, he could be found quietly observing the wonders of the world around him. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hiking, biking, hunting, camping (especially with the Deer Camp crew), fishing,
canoeing, gardening, stargazing, birdwatching - anything that involved nature. In recent years, if he was not outside taking his dog Cooper for a walk, he could frequently be found wandering quietly through the woods near his home checking on his many trail cameras. He managed to capture some great wildlife photos, including bobcats and a mama bear with cubs, to name a few.
David and Linda spent many happy hours watching and videoing the creatures who came out of the woods to visit birdfeeders in their backyard. There were small feathered creatures and big four-legged ones, some of them even had names. Linda called David a "human bird feeder" because he was known to stand patiently while chickadees and nuthatches nibbled bird seed right out of his hand or from the top of his hat. David, the Bird Whisperer even the birds knew he was someone special.
Whether we knew him as David or Dave, Bud or Buddy Bud, Dad or Papa, he will be missed by all who knew him. He left us way too soon, but he left us with many examples of how to be a good human. If he were to give us advice (which we know he wouldn't) he would encourage us to cherish every moment with those we love, savor the simple joys of every day, let go of anxieties about tomorrow, live fully in the present and appreciate all that we have.
A celebration of David's life will be held on June 28th at the First Congregational Church of Leon followed by a reception at Justin Trails. Details are yet to be determined.