Robert "Bob" Eder

Robert (Bob) Gene Eder passed away peacefully at the Providence Hospital in Missoula on Aug. 9, 2025, at the age of 80.

Bob was born in Missoula on Jan. 21, 1945, to Herbert and Carolyn Eder. He is survived by his brother, Jerry Eder and Jerry’s wife Kathleen, and their two children, Jason Eder (Eliza) and Lauren Eder Stevenson (Joey). He was preceded in death by both parents and his daughter, Shonda Eder. Shonda, born in 1974, was the love of Bob’s life. She passed away at the age of 28 in a tragic car accident in San Diego.

Bob was raised in Missoula and attended many different grade schools as his father was a custom home builder, and the family was constantly on the move. Bob graduated from Sentinel HS in 1963 and enrolled in the University of Montana, receiving his BS degree in 1968, majoring in Sociology and Anthropology. While attending graduate school at the University of Montana in 1969, during the height of the War in Vietnam, Bob was drafted into the US Army. After basic training, he was deployed to Vietnam as a driver in an Armored Personnel Carrier. While on a mission, the APC hit a land mine, and Bob was the victim of several non-life threatening injuries. For his service, Bob was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart, and Bronze Service Star. Bob was proud of his service to his country.

After being discharged from the Army, Bob resettled in Missoula and began a long career with the US Forest Service as a computer specialist in environmental issues before retiring.

Bob enjoyed many of the outdoor activities from skiing to fly fishing, floating many of the area rivers on his handmade boats and skiing. He was a master wood craftsman and spent hours building 13 different types of boats, wooden boxes, and wall clocks. If you received such a gift from Bob, you knew it was built with love.

Bob was an avid reader and studier of history and science issues. He could carry on a deep conversation with insight into the workings of the world. He was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran church the same church his mother attended and loved the camaraderie with fellow members.

Later in life, Bob met Sue Britton. She became an adventurous and constant companion, and they spent many days fly fishing, camping, traveling and skiing at Discovery Basin and at her cabin on Georgetown Lake.

Following Sue’s death from cancer, he met another wonderful woman, Tottie Parmeter, who loved Bob’s sense of humor. With just a sly smile or wink of his eye, he could make her laugh at anything. They enjoyed Lady Griz Basketball, the Missoula Symphony, and live theater. They traveled to Great Britain and toured the country and the Wales area, visiting with Tottie’s family. He stayed by Tottie’s side throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s.

After Tottie’s death, Steve and Connie Running continued to include Bob in all holidays and birthdays.

Connie and Kent spent long hours at the hospital comforting Bob right up until the time of his passing.

At Bob’s wishes, he will be interned at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula at a small ceremony with family and a few close friends on October 24, at 3:00 p.m.