Ervin Eder

Ervin A. Eder, 79, of Missoula, passed away peacefully May 3, 2008.

Born in Mott, N.D., on June 10, 1928, to John and Caroline Eder, Ervin was the youngest of four children, all of who preceded him in death.

Ervin served three years in the Air Force before he was honorably discharged in December 1948. That year, he began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad, working his way through the ranks to becoming an engineer.

He worked on the Northern Pacific line for 27 years, at which point his employer merged with the Great Northern Railway and became the Burlington Northern Railroad. His career moved him and his family to Whitefish in 1974. After 17 years with BN, Ervin retired in 1990 with 43 years of experience on the railroad.

He and his wife Eva moved to Sun City West, Ariz., in 1991. There, they purchased a home and RV and spent the next 13 years living there and traveling the rest the country from late spring to early fall. They saw all 48 states and enjoyed their winters in Arizona.

In 2004, illness became an issue for Ervin and a decision was made to move back to Missoula to be closer to family and old friends. Ervin was undoubtedly a devoted husband father and grandfather.

Ervin is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eva Kirschmann; three of their four children, Daniel Eder, Kathleen Unroe and her husband Dave, and Kelly Eder (their daughter Julie passed away as an infant); grandchildren Jonathan, Julie and James Unroe, and Josh and Sarah Eder; and great grandchild Ethan Unroe.

A private memorial service was held May 4, 2008, with his immediate family in attendance. In observance of what would have been his 80th birthday, Ervin Eder's loved ones wanted to give tribute once again.