BELLA VISTA — Joe was born to Joseph and Mae Eidem

on August 16, 1933 in Elk Point, S.D., and passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on February 7, 2024, at 90 years of age.

At the age of 12, the little Lewison girl caught his eye and he vowed he would marry her one day. On Christmas day, 1953, Joe

Eidem and Helen Lewison became husband and wife. Joe was enlisted in the US Army and his first duty assignment was EI Paso, Texas, where Debra and Brian were born. After the Army stint, they moved to South Dakota to farm, and Joe also pursued an engineering degree through South Dakota State University. In 1961 the family moved to White Bear Lake, Minn., where Joe began his career with the 3M Corporation. They grew their family with “the boys” Dave and Jay.

In 1973 the family relocated to Weatherford, Oklahoma where Joe was instrumental in the opening of the 3M plant expansion. After 35 years of dedicated service, he and Helen retired to Bella Vista, Ark. It was here they enjoyed their lives being involved in church, golfing, boating, Bridge and volunteering within the community. They treasured getting visitors on the lake, especially family to include in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends. The highlights of these visits included their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many of these memories are well documented on video albeit with him behind the camera commentating along the way.

Joe and Helen enjoyed traveling with family and friends, visiting the world extensively from Canada to Mexico, all 50 states, and Europe to Japan. Their most favored destinations were their family’s homeland of Norway and an annual trip to Hawaii with dear friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Helen Lewison Eidem; siblings Jim Eidem, Francis Goergen and Blanch Ashmore. He is survived by one brother, Malyn Eidem of Rapid City, S.D.; his daughter, Debra (Richard) Muller of Bella Vista; and sons Brian (Leslie) Eidem of Andover, Kan.; Dave (Lorrie) Eidem of Ft Worth, Texas, and Jay Eidem of Martindale, Texas; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “the Great One”.

A memorial service is pending for late spring in Bella Vista, Ark. More details to follow at that time. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.