Joseph John Eder

Joe grew up as the youngest sibling to three sisters, so he learned early on how to practice diplomacy and navigate differing opinions. He loved spending time outdoors, playing kick the can and freeze tag with his sisters, friends and cousins, and biking around the neighborhood. He enjoyed exploring and learning how things work. His taste for adventure as a kid led to a sort of running contest with the dog, Dixie, to see who could get into more scrapes. It was a tie. His relentless energy led to playing many sports growing up and in high school, but it was his love for soccer that persisted into college, where he played club ball for the University of Minnesota. Joe graduated from Cathedral High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University. 

Joe worked for IKEA, primarily as the Bistro manager, for 14 years. He then founded Carbon Flight, a drone photography business. Joe was an avid FCC drone pilot and instructor, regularly flying throughout downtown Minneapolis capturing its night skyline and breathtaking views. Joe taught many others to fly drones, both formally and informally. He was also a skilled photographer, and spent many summer and winter days capturing the beauty of nature. He was passionate about and focused on the documentation of social justice, especially events over the last year in Minneapolis. 

Joe was a dedicated runner and cyclist who loved to challenge himself. His love for cycling led many friends to become dedicated cyclists themselves. Joe qualified for the Boston Marathon twice, completed many GORUCK challenges and several triathlons, and finished the Coeur d'Alene Ironman. Joe also enjoyed camping, EDM music, pheasant hunting, gaming, and technology.

Joe was a kind and caring man. He was a son, a brother, a father, a friend. His love for his daughters was immeasurable, and he cherished every minute he spent with them. Joe was known as something of an animal whisperer and would frequently be seen at family gatherings on the floor with one or more family dogs or cats circled around him, waiting their turn for pets. He is remembered for his gentle spirit, compassionate outlook, and soft-spoken nature.

Joe is survived by daughters Vivienne and Adley; his mother, Nancy; his father, John (wife Silvia); sisters Rebecca (Eder) Rossom (husband Jay and children Noah, Nate and Gabby), Susan (Eder) Cunningham (husband Khaaliss and children Rashaan and Tiara), and Katherine (Eder) Christy (husband Stephen and children Liam and August); and stepsisters Heidi Romanish (daughter Emi) and Krista Romanish. Joe was an important part of our family and is deeply missed.

Joe would hate that we were spending so much time and attention on him, but one final time, he's outvoted by his sisters. Joe deserves to be celebrated and remembered. Joe loved good jokes and bad movies, relished food straight from the garden, and did not take anything for granted. He was generous and helped others whenever and wherever he could, consistently rooting for the underdog.

Joe would want people to spend time enjoying all the beauty nature has to offer and treating others with kindness in his memory. We lost a wonderful human who cannot be replaced, and we will continue to hold him close.

A Celebration of Life will take place on September 25, 2026, at Pryes Brewing (1401 West River Road N) in Minneapolis from 11AM to 2 PM.