Obit: Eddy, Howard Roy (How/Howie) (1940 - 2020)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Eddy, Gilbertson, Kuberra, Dukes, Blascke, Sandeen, Pfeiffer

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 12/23/2020

Eddy, Howard Roy (How/Howie) (27 August 1940 – 17 December 2020)

Howard Roy Eddy (How/Howie), 80, of Hatfield, returned home to our Lord the morning of December 17, 2020.

He was born to Hugh, Sr., and Elnora (Gilbertson) Eddy in Black River Falls on August 27, 1940 and attended Black River Falls High School. He married the love of his life, Lynda Kuberra, on June 25, 1960. They had three children: Kevin, Kent, and Leesha. The family lived in the southern WI (Beloit, Janesville, Edgerton) with Lynda’s mother, Lydia Kuberra (who he loved as a second mother), up until about 1969 when they returned to Black River Falls, settling into their forever home near Hatfield shortly after their return.

Howard worked at the Jackson County Iron Mine until it’s closure and then worked in various heavy equipment operator and logging jobs before going to work at Halverson Plumbing. He truly enjoyed his time there and went on to achieve his Master Plumber license before becoming the first manager for the Hatfield Sanitary District, a position in which he remained until retirement. He spent many years serving as a volunteer fireman and first responder on the Hatfield Fire Department and was a steadfast presence grilling chicken for the department chicken feeds for his entire time with the department. He was quietly proud of the accomplishments in his life and especially his time with the department, though never boastful or bragging, just appreciative.

Howard was a kind and generous man who never said no to a person in need and never met a stranger. He loved nature and often called his homestead his “church”. He enjoyed hunting, probably more so for the time spent with his brothers and other family at the “hunting shack,” than for the actual hunting. He liked nothing more than being surrounded by friends and family and did his fair share of “socializing” in local establishments, often accompanied by his bride, Lynda. They were well known for the striking couple they made on the dance floor. Howard could dance with anyone and make them look like a professional. He had a love of stock car racing, beginning as a young man racing with his brother, Bob. This love was passed on to his sons, Kevin and Kent, who carried on the tradition for many years with Kevin racing and Kent serving as crew chief, much like Howard and Bob.

What Howard treasure most, though, was family, including his close friends. For many years, the Eddy house was a regular stop for friends on Christmas Eve. With a house full of children, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren, friends would stop by for a drink or two, to snuggle the latest baby, conversation and food before moving on to their next destination. This would be followed later by the chaos for present opening and, while he would complain of the noise and mess, everyone knew he wouldn’t have it any other way. He was considered the “baby whisperer” and never failed to settle a fussy child, talking, singing and rocking them to sleep. The older grandchildren will attest that he didn’t stand for any nonsense, but they also share they always knew it was out of love. His leaving has created a hole in the fabric of the family that cannot be filled.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Elnora (Gilbertson) Eddy and his beloved mother-in-law, Lydia (Hove) Kuberra.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lynda (Kuberra) Eddy, whom he called his bride unto the end; three children, Kevin (Penny) Eddy, Kent (Valerie) Eddy, and Leesha Eddy-Dukes; nine grandchildren: Nicole, Brandy, Lydia, Casbera, and Casey (Kevin); Dannyelle, Brittany, and Nathaniel (Kent); and Zane (Leesha); and twelve great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves seven siblings, Janice (Vince) Blascke, Hugh, Jr. (Doris) Eddy, Robert (Janet) Eddy, Gary Eddy Sr., Christine Sandeen, David (June) Eddy, and Karen (Stuart) Pfeiffer; as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews, cousins, and very dear friends.

The family has elected to delay the celebration of Howard’s life until the summer, planning for 6/19/21, in honor of Father’s Day. This will be held on the Howard Eddy homestead, with full announcement to be made closer to the time.

The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls, 715-284-2231, is assisting with arrangements.

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