Milwaukee native Eugene J. Eder died in Hallandale Beach, Fla., on June 3. He was 82.
Eder served in the United States Navy, on the U.S.S. Bronstein, during World War II. A graduate of Riverside High School, he received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He was the owner and president of Eder Flag Manufacturing Company, Inc. He also worked full time as an attorney for more than 50 years before retiring from law to focus on his company, where he worked until his death.
The Eder family has been in business since 1887, making pillows, rag dolls and hunting jackets, before turning its focus to flags. In implementing his firm belief that the American flag should be made in the United States, Eugene Eder helped his company become one of the largest flag manufacturers in the world.
The Oak Creek-based company produces millions of state, foreign and corporate flags each year, and is also one of the world’s largest suppliers of flagpoles.
Eder Flag made the ornaments that sit atop the flagpoles at the United Nations and the flag that was held by firemen at the World Trade Center after the September 11 terrorist attacks, according to Treasuresof.com.
Eder was preceded in death by twin sisters Lorraine Koplin and Lucille Lichter and is survived by sister Barbara (Mel) Shikora of Whitefish Bay.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Blane Goodman Funeral Service, LLC. Graveside services were officiated by Rabbi Marc Berkson in Second Home Cemetery on June 6.
The family appreciates memorial contributions to Milwaukee Jewish Day School and Jewish Museum Milwaukee.
