ROBERT "BOB" EDDY

    Robert (Bob) Allen Eddy, 86, of Black River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully Jan. 25, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on June 15, 1936, to Hugh, Sr. and Elnora (Gilbertson) Eddy. But, he was named by his Aunt Pearl (Eddy) Matthews, who helped him into this world when he was born at home. The two shared a special bond until her death in 1979.

     Bob attended Black River Falls High School and graduated in 1954. His adventurous spirit and love for Louis L’Amour novels guided him to the Dakotas where he worked as a farm hand. He returned to his hometown and married the love of his life March 28, 1959. Bob and Janet (Goldsmith) would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.

     Bob and Janet had four daughters. He often joked about surviving, living with “a house full of women” with only one bathroom while his girls were growing up. He also described himself as a “jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none,” as he held several positions throughout his career. He worked as a mechanic, logger, semi-truck driver, heavy equipment operator, and retired as the town of Millston road maintenance worker at the age of 62.

     In his free time, Bob enjoyed fast cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, hunting, fishing, trapping and reading western paperbacks. You would often find him underneath a car, tinkering in his tool shed, preparing for a fishing trip or admiring his garden. If you saw him at an auction, you would receive a firm handshake and he would ask, “How does it feel to shake the hand of the man who shook the world?”

     He was gifted with the Eddy trait of conversation and always had a story to tell or a song to sing. But his greatest gifts were the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in his life. His talents as an artist and singer will be treasured by the family he leaves behind. His stories with be told to the generations yet to come.

     Bob is survived by his wife Janet; and his four daughters, Lori Eddy, Terri (Scott) Eddy-Olson, Denise Oliver and Dawn (John) Plockelman; his seven grandchildren, Rebecca (Brad) Sexton, Ramona (Casey) Peterson, Courtney Eddy, Kachmir (Tim) Watt, Brady (Deanna) Oliver, Vanessa Eddy and Jeremy Oliver; and his 12 great-grandchildren, Nora, Bailey, Alida, Jaxon, Ryker, Eden, Morgan, Libby, Hugh, Claire, Taylynn and Trinity. He is also survived by brothers Gary Eddy and David Eddy; and sisters Janice Blashke, Christine Sandeen, and Karen (Stewart) Pfeiffer. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Hugh Jr. and Howard Eddy; his in-laws Hallie and Verda Goldsmith; sisters-in-law Opal Arneson and Mavis Staton; and brothers-in-law Ross Arneson, Gary Iverson, Allen, Danny and Roger Goldsmith; and sons-in-law Ron Morgan, Dennis Drew’s, Mark Kasper and Gary Iverson. 

     A celebration of life will be held at a later date by Robert’s immediate family. 

      The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family; 715-284-2231.