William Eder Jr.

William Hastings “Punky” Eder Jr., 71, of Wolf Point, died Aug. 3, 2024.

He was born Aug. 2, 1953, in Poplar 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 twoyear adventure, he made his way home to Wolf Point to be with his family and friends.

He wasn’t home for too long before he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served 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, he met Janell Garfield. They were married in May 1977 and soon welcomed a daughter, Laurel. A couple of years later, their daughter, Mandy, joined the family. He 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, they divorced.

He worked many years for the Fort Peck Tribes Enterprise Department as a plumber. He learned the skill of carpentry from his dad and 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.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting,