William Eder, Jr., age 71, of Wolf Point, MT

William Hastings Eder Jr. (Punky) of Wolf Point, Montana passed away on August 3, 2024.

He was born on August 2, 1953 in Poplar, Montana to William and Lillian (Bruguier) Eder, Sr. He grew up in both Poplar and Wolf Point where he received his formal education. During his teenage years, his sense of adventure would take him hitchhiking across the country. After his two year adventure, he made his way home to Wolf Point to be with his family and friends.

Punky wasn’t home for too long before he joined the United States Marine Corps. He serviced from 1972-1976. After he received his discharge, he started trade school to be a Machinist in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During one of his visits back home to Montana, Punky would meet Janell Garfield. They were married in May of 1977 and soon welcomed a daughter Laurel. A couple of years later their daughter Mandy joined the family. Punky and Janell later divorced.

Later on in his life he would meet and marry Rebecca Bear. From this union, his son James Isaac would join the family. Eventually Punky and Becky divorced.

He worked many years for the Fort Peck Tribes Enterprise Department as a plumber. He learned the skill of carpentry from his dad Bill & would eventually start his own contracting companies with friends and family members. During his years of self-employment, he would build many homes and buildings across the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Once he retired, he took great pride in teaching his son and grandson’s his vast knowledge of plumbing and carpentry.

Punky was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Over the years, he had many stories about his outdoor adventures with his many friends and family. All of these stories ended with laughter and cheer. He enjoyed playing pool and played on the Wolf Point Pool Leagues, one year of which he was the president. He earned many Top Shooter jackets. He was a war history buff and enjoyed reading in his spare time. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, cards, Yahtzee and working on puzzles. He was a master craftsman when it came to woodworking and spent a lot of time out in his shop.

Punky enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. He looked forward to his visits with his children and grandchildren whom he lovingly referred to as “his Indians”. His Indians were the light of his life.

He is survived by his children; Laurel (Gabe) Dumont, Mandy Eder and James (Cherish) Bear-Eder; his grandchildren: Janaeya Sutherland, Samantha Dumont (Ethan), Ian Dumont, Tyson Sutherland (Kylie), Forrest Dumont (Kaylandra), Madison Eder and his great granddaughter, L’Zaria Sutherland.

He is also survived by his siblings; Eric (Joan) Bruguier, Neil Taylor, Mildred Rose Eder and John Douglas (Karan) Taylor and Cindy Lou Taylor; his Uncles Buck (Forrest) Bruguier and Thomas Smail, Sr., his lifelong friend Charles (Bud) Two Bulls and his faithful dog Paddock.

Extended families include the Miller, Azure, Smail, Bearcub, Lilley, Archdale and Eder families.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Lillian Bruguier, his father, William Hastings Eder, Sr.; his brothers Forrest (Chanuba) Eder and Desmond Eder; Maternal grandparents Leo and Elsie (Miller) Bruguier and Paternal grandparents William and Mildred (LaCroix) Eder; Aunts Joyce Smail, Emily Azure; Uncles Edward Eder and William Callow and cousins Mike (Monk) Azure, Thomas Smail, Jr., Frank Miller, Jerry Miller, Phillip Miller, and his longtime friend Bill Jahn of Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

Punky was a good dad and grandpa. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and rejoicing with his loved ones who passed on before him. He will be greatly missed by many but he will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Tuesday August 13, 2024

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel

102 Custer Street

Wolf Point, Montana 59201

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Inurnment

Tuesday August 13, 2024

Poplar City Cemetery

Poplar, Montana

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