Julia Eiden

Julia Anne Eiden (née Smith)

September 8, 1933 - July 12, 2025

Julia Anne Eiden, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Eau Claire, WI.

Born on September 8 1933, in Waupaca WI. Julia lived a full and thoughtful life marked by deep curiosity, strength, and a joyful sense of humor.

Julia Anne (Smith) Eiden, preceded in death by her husband Carl Eiden, and her parents Ernest and Lillian (Wied) Smith and her siblings: Leland (Bea) Smith, Bette (Jim) Daly, Avis (Jerry) Pings, Keith (Jenneane) Smith, and Tom Smith.

Survived by brother John (Carolyn) Smith, Sister-in-Law Lee Smith, Children Julia Smith, Lori (Jay) Dreke. Grandchildren: Paul Brehm, Amy Brehm, Derek (Jolene) Brehm, Kaya (Jon) Seidl, Katy (Michael) Zoller & Great-grandchildren: Silas Brehm, Chloe Brehm, Aiyana Brehm, Donovan Brehm.

Julia, always young at heart, never stopped being curious about life. She approached each day with wonder, a love of learning, and a generous heart. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: What matters in life is what you do between the dash.

She pushed through difficult times with laughter and a steady belief that life would get better. Her optimism, even in hardship, became her legacy. And in true Julia fashion, she would say and believed that most things could be overcome if you just went for a walk.

Julia found joy in life's everyday pleasures: walking, hiking, solving crosswords and puzzles, reading, traveling, her church, and spending time with friends and family. Her days were full of movement, meaningful connection, and a spirit of adventure. She never met a stranger.

She was a dedicated volunteer and served as the head usher at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Performing Arts Center in Clearwater, Florida for over 25 years-a role that combined her love of people and the arts. In her later years, she found deep friendship and laughter around the "therapy table" at the LE Phillips Senior Center.

Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege to know her. She touched countless lives with her warmth, resilience, generosity, and wit.

Put on your hiking shoes, grab your walking sticks and come share your memories August 15 from 1pm to 4pm at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona. Julia gave to many charities, in lieu of flowers the family encourages acts of kindness or donations to a local library, Senior Center, or Arts Organizations.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is assisting the family. Online condolences and full obituary may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.