John "Ed" Edward Barden

John Edward “Ed” Barden, 80, of Boyne City, MI, went to the Lord on July 31, 2020 surrounded by his children at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix, MI, after a long battle with cancer. 

Ed was born in Petoskey, MI on September 18, 1939 to Aldwyn and Regina (Sallar) Barden and had two sisters. He lived his entire life in Boyne City. As a young man he was active in Boy Scouts, including a cross-country train trip to California, and was an accomplished high school athlete including a State Football Championship. Additionally in high school he started and honed his woodworking skills which over the years included intricate inlay, furniture, and home remodeling, concluding a few years ago where he built pinewood derby cars with his grandson. 

Most people knew Ed as the owner of F.O. Barden and Son Lumber in Boyne City.  He was the third-generation owner of the lumberyard, and spent 58 years in the business, retiring in 2016.  He stewarded its’ growth through many economic ups & downs over the years, including 3 fires.  The company’s success and resilience he always credited to his employees and customers. 

From a young child to old man his passion was fishing.  This passion took him around the world, from the sailfish in Florida to the Salmon and Halibut in British Columbia.   In Michigan he was always catching something such as pike, lake trout, suckers, smelt and perch through the ice or from a boat.  Later in life his love was salmon and lake trout fishing in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.  The waters of the world will miss him.

Ed took pride in his community, particularly to the Church, Veterans, and School Programs. His contributions helped rebuild the Boyne City High School Football Field, build the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church community room and Veterans memorial.  After retirement, friends, family, and neighbors could find him sitting on his tractor mowing and grooming his lawn.

On November 28th, 1958 Ed married the love of his life, Glory Maragret Flodquist and raised four children.  They celebrated 60 years of marriage in November 2019 with friends and family.

Ed is survived by his wife Glory (Flodquist); children Michael (Pamela) Barden of St. Joseph, MI, Paul (Yumi) Barden of Boyne City, MI, Barbara (Mark) Pruetz of Lake Orion, MI and Amy (Robert) Christensen of East Jordan Mi; grandchildren Bethany (Chad) Glyde, Jeffery (Angela) Pruetz, Michael Barden, Nicholas Barden, Asuka Barden, Kyle (Mike) Cameron and Jordan Barden; great-grandchildren Brady,  Austin, Oliver, Abby, Rowe, and Nina and sister, Carol Huffman.

Ed was preceded in death by his son Thomas Barden, parents Aldwyn and Regina Barden and sister Barbara Monacell.

Our family would like to thank his in-home caregivers, Independence Village, Karmanos Cancer institute, Hospice of Northern Michigan, and Boulder Park Terrace for their compassionate care to Ed, Glory and family these past few years. You are all so special.

A visitation will be held at St Mathews Church in Boyne City on Thursday, August 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.; with the reciting of the Rosary being held at 7:00 PM.

Due to restrictions in place because of the COVID 19 Virus, the family will be having a private service and burial.

In memory of Ed, please make donations to the “Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network”, in his later years Ed found much enjoyment with his great grandchildren, who brought beauty to this word. One of which, Abby, taught him the beauty in difference, and what all children, inclusive of those with Down syndrome are capable of.  (https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/donate)Arrangements are in the care of the Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City.

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