George D. Eder

George D. Eder, age 95, of Washburn, WI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Northern Lights Health Care Center in Washburn. George was born on November 26, 1929, in Ontario, Canada, the son of George and Rose (Hofstra) Eder.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and went on to dedicate his professional life to public service as a Wisconsin State Patrol Officer. On February 11, 1956, George was united in marriage to Carol E. Davenport in Phillips, WI. Together they built a life filled with love, dedication to family, and had countless cherished memories over the course of nearly 70 years together.
George and Carol especially enjoyed traveling and camping with the family. Their trips ranged from tent camping when their children were young to their RV adventures throughout the country. George also enjoyed back country canoe trips in the BWCA, Northern Michigan and Canada with his son Bob and his grandson Eric. Their motto was always, just "KEEP PADDLING".
George and Carol created numerous family memories together. From intimate family gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays to being the patriarch of the annual Eder family picnic, George was always happiest around his family. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
George demonstrated his love of life-long learning in countless ways. He was a voracious reader, enjoying numerous historical and biographical accounts along with mystery novels. He and Carol enjoyed garden planning and trying new plants in their amazing garden each year – some more successful than others (upside down tomatoes). During the winter, he and Carol made maple syrup with many people being the lucky recipients of this bounty. George was a man of many talents. He was an avid woodworker and wood carver, from building a garage to intricate carvings of animals, fish and nutcrackers, he immersed himself in multiple projects throughout the years. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Wisconsin teams – Packers, Badgers, Bucks and Brewers.
George was generous with his time and talents over the years, volunteering countless hours within the community, St. Louis Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was proud of his service to our country. He and Carol traveled to reunions of the 62nd Military Police Highway Patrol Company held at many places around the country.
George is survived by his loving wife, Carol Eder of Washburn; his children, Ken Eder of Washburn, Kathy (Bob) Cieslak of Rochester, MN, Barb Eder (Paul Burby) of Menomonee Falls, WI and Karen Eder of Reno, NV; his daughter-in-law, Leah Eder of Washburn; grandchildren, Jennifer Cieslak Pumper (Tony), Lauren Strange (Ian Smith), Eric Cieslak (Meliza Mitra), Hannah Burby (Hayden Bruskiewicz), and Rachel Burby (Ernesto Thiel); and six great-grandchildren, Levi, Dylan, Nora, Robert, Jackson and Josie who brought him immense pride and joy, along with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gene and Sandy Davenport of Oconomowoc, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Bob Eder; three sisters, Betty Renko, Jane Ringersma, and Rosemary Horak; and his brother, William Eder.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Washburn, WI. A gathering of family and friends will take place at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Military honors and interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Washburn, WI. Lunch will follow at St. Louis Parish.
Memorial donations can be made to the St. Louis Parish in Washburn, The Northwood Technical College Foundation Bob Eder Memorial Scholarship, or to the charity of your choice.