Ervin "Erv" Henry Eden Jr.

Ervin Henry Eden, Jr (fondly known as Erv) passed away on July 3rd, 2026. He was surrounded by the love of his family; leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, kindness and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Erv was born on March 17th, 1945, in Anamosa, IA. He was raised in Atalissa, IA, graduated from West Liberty High School in 1963, and then attended Muscatine Junior College. It was during this time frame he met his future wife, Liz. After graduating, he was hired by Grunder Construction, doing carpenter and lawn work in Wilton. In 1964, while mowing a lawn, Erv looked up and saw two young women walking by—Liz and her sister, Thelma. It was love at first sight. That chance encounter blossomed into a beautiful marriage ten months later. They shared 61 years filled with unwavering love, partnership, and countless cherished memories.

They had 3 children while living in Wilton. Erv worked for Oscar Mayer’s Kartridge Packing in Davenport and served in the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department. They moved to Davenport, IA in 1971. In 1972, they moved their family to Phoenix, Arizona. He worked for Precision Machine & Engineering for over 30 years as a CNC machinist and also worked for Corning before retiring in 2015.

Erv believed in serving others. He faithfully taught Sunday School for many years, was active as a Boy Scout leader, and was known as an exceptionally skilled handyman who could fix just about anything. He loved gardening (especially growing tomatoes), bowled for the Vegas Bowling League and competed for over 20 years, played on a church baseball team, and was an avid reader. He enjoyed the James Bond movies; he also found great joy throughout his life building and collecting model trains. In 2019, Milo, their special fur-child, became a treasured addition to their family.

Above all else, Erv treasured his family. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Elizabeth May Eden; his children, Tamera Jo (Eden) Max, Daniel Eugene Eden, Douglas Lee Eden, and Dawn Valenti.

He was the proud grandfather of Ryan and Megan Max; Jenna (Max) and Jonathan Sotelo; Amber (Eden) and Josh Kirchner; Geoffrey and Rebekah Hilton; Kyle and Kim Eden; Trystan and Kimi Eden; and Seraphim Eden.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Carter and Silas Max, Nolan Sotelo, Juniper Kirchner, Tempe and Hope Hilton, Faelan Eden and Harley Highfill.

He is also survived by his siblings, Annie (Eden) Ferry, Larry Eden, Mary (Eden) and Dave Ruble; his sisters-in-law, Thelma (Ward) Thomason and Joy Eden; and his brother-in-law, William (Jim) Ward.

Erv was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin H. Eden Sr. and Irene (Lindsay) Eden; his brother, John Eden; his brothers-in-law, Robert Thomason and Timothy Ferry; his sisters-in-law, Dori Eden and Susan Ward; his nephew, Matthew Eden; and his niece, Melissa ("Missy") Ward Henagar.

Erv will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, faithful Christian, and a man whose quiet strength, generous heart, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing that his example of faith, integrity, and unconditional love will continue to live on for generations.

They will all deeply miss his quiet personality, and steady presence.