Daniel Eder

Daniel Lee Eder, 61, of Missoula, Montana passed away peacefully at his home, overlooking the river, Monday, February 4, 2013, with his family by his side after losing his battle to pancreatic cancer.
Dan was a native of Missoula as he was born here on November 18, 1951, to Ervin and Eva Eder of Missoula. He never left his home here in paradise on earth and was raised in this valley until his own passing. Growing up in the mountains offered Dan many opportunities to perfect his craft of a trapper, hunter, fisherman, camping expert, family man, and of course the best father in the world. As a young boy he attending Paxson Elementary School, then went on to graduate from Sentinel High School in 1970. During these years he developed his love for fast cars, his beloved 56' Chevy, and his passion for fish and aquariums; whether it be on the banks of some lake or his many tanks and pond at home. He never backed down to a fight, and lost only one. After high school he supported his future wife and family by becoming a trapper and chasing raccoons and cats with his old dog Radar for 5 years. Dan always had an eye for adventure and was a free spirit as he was a self reliant man his entire life. He was a regular member of the Corvette Club and the local Moose lodge for many years, combining his love of cars and hanging out with friends. Also during this time he met his future wife Wanda Catogge in 1974 and after five years of dating they were eventually married in 1979. They had their first child Joshua in 1982, and not to be outdone, a daughter named Sarah in 1985. He started his own sewer and drain business named Ace Sewer in 1977 and proudly worked and served the Missoula community for 31 years. Dan also purchased some rental homes on River Road which he managed to keep himself busy and near his children. He learned many life lessons of owning his own business and loved to pass that wisdom and work ethic to all that knew him. Dan liked most of all camping at the lake every weekend with his family and friends. It was a different location every time, and would change over the years. He loved his garden and his beautiful back yard and deck, meticulously pruning his yard a few hours each night. There was always a smile on his face no matter what; he aspired to be the life of the party. He did live life to the fullest, and cherished each moment that he had with his family. Dan spent a great deal of his later life making people laugh and telling jokes, no matter how bad you were feeling or what kind of day you were having. He had stories to tell, his chickens to tend to, and was constantly busy with his projects. His rentals kept him a busy repair man, and that allowed Dan to work as he pleased. Dan enjoyed learning new hunting techniques with his daughter Sarah and her husband Jeremy, and she kept him busy as she recently moved back from Alaska to do nursing closer to her dad. His son Josh always gave him a daily update on his stock portfolio, and the two would routinely challenge each other on the day's current events and odd facts. Dan's greatest pride and happiest moments were his daily talks with his mother Eva, conversing with Josh and Sarah about their days, and of course him plotting on how he was going to make us laugh next. He was too young to be taken from us, but will now be on a new adventure in heaven with God and grandpa. Dan will be greatly missed for all that he brought to this world with his smile and calm sense of life about him. A loving and caring father, a wonderful son; Dan took great care and pride in keeping his family close and near him at all times. Dan was preceded in death by his father Ervin Eder. He is survived by his mother Eva Eder of Missoula; son Josh Eder(Chanda Clos) of Missoula; daughter Sarah (Jeremy) Allegrucci of Missoula; Sister Kelly Eder of Whitefish; Sister Kathy (Dave) Unroe and family. He also had many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that were so dear to Dan throughout his life.
Services to celebrate Dan's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 9 at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 West Broadway. Dan Dixson will be officiating. There will be a potluck style reception immediately following the service, so bring what Dan and you enjoyed the most together. Later to honor Dan's wishes there will be a private ceremony to scatter his ashes with his family by his side. His children will take him to all of the places across Montana that he enjoyed so much.
We miss you and love you very much Dad!!
"Line by line, moment by moment, special times are etched into our memories in the permanent ink of everlasting love in our relationships."
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Daniel Eder's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.