Edward Eaton, age 88, of Helena, passed away August 1, 2022.
Ed was born May 17, 1934 and grew up in Bozeman, Montana when it was still a village. He graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1952 and joined the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, eventually achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Airborne Electronics field. Upon leaving the Air Force, he moved to Seattle to work at Boeing in the research and dynamics staff for Antenna development.
In 1960, he began work for the General Electric Company out of Syracuse, NY. The first project was the construction and operation of the world’s largest radar site (The Ballistics Missile Early Warning System) in Thule, Greenland. After 2 years he began project number 2 which was installing a NATO Air Defense System in Germany. After 4 years working for the American Air Force, he was transferred to project 3…a German company named ‘Elektronishe und Luftfart Gerate, GMBH’, whose purpose was to train an international crew of mixed origin Europeans on how to maintain the NATO Air Defense System.
At this time, he met and married Rita Grabsch. After 4 years, Ed completed the European training bit and returned to Bozeman, MT to continue a degree at MSU that he started in 1956 and not completed. The emphasis was transferred from Electrical Engineering to Business. Ed graduated from MSU with a Business degree and moved to Helena, MT to begin work as a Budget Analyst in the Governor’s office. He became the State’s Record Manager in the Secretary of State’s office, the position he held until his retirement in 1998. It is noted that in all his working years, Ed never felt that any position he held was less than interesting.
After retirement, Ed and Rita divorced. Shortly after leaving State Government, Ed participated in the 2000 Census Endeavor and found it extremely interesting!
Further down the road, Ed developed a loving relationship with Carla Wambach, a Helena school teacher. Their time together was enhanced by their mutual love of travel, music, and dance. They were married in May 2014. The joy of this time extended to his death. Carla preceded him in death in 2020.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Bob) Jordan and grandchildren James, Theodora, and Jesse.
A Celebration of Ed’s Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a reception in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 10, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday September 10, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Monana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 10, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday September 10, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Monana 59602
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Kori R Dee says
Ed was a true gentleman. I had the pleasure of many a good conversation with him – on many topics and always learned from our visits. RIP and May you soar with the eagles.
Robin Burns says
Oh Ed, How I will miss you. You were such a bright spot in my time at Touchmark. Fly free my wonderful friend!
Shawna Donaldson says
Ed, you were always a gentleman. You and Carla were a great couple and you could always see the love and admiration you both had for each other. You were such a fun couple to watch dance together. Together again I’m sure your dancing away in eternity.
Dana Rossi-Lewis says
The earthy world lost a little bit of magic when God called Ed home. I will forever cherish conversations where he walked down memory lane and shared his many adventures with his great grand children. God speed to a polka in the next realm with that amazing dance partner with a yodel and birds chirping along in the background !
The ervings says
Dear Michelle and family,
My husband Dan and I met you at the maxville fiddler’s contest. We are sorry for your loss, but feel blessed that we got to visit with Ed one more time and meet you and your cousin and family. I still have the poem that I wrote after being inspired by Ed and Carla. Let me know if you would like a copy – 406-458-5988. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Stevie and Dan Erving
Evie Nelsond says
Sister Evie
I have such wonderful memories of growing up with Ed. He would warm up his dancing in high school by choosing me as his partner, thus also getting me out on the dance floor. He was always game to try things and with my being just 2 years older we had many fun adventures.
Carl Nelson says
Uncle Ed,
We will miss you. You always had great stories and livened up the party. I will always remember the Octoberfest in Oaks Park Family Reunion in Portland with you and all of the great family get togethers. Stay dancing.
Fran says
Ed always told the silliest jokes! He was a pillar at AARP Montana during legislative sessions.
May HE comfort you all in Ed’s absence.
Fran