William Edberg

William Edberg, 64, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 21st, 2020 of melanoma. Throughout his cancer battle, he remained lighthearted and was never weighed down by pain or fear, despite his diagnosis and months of treatments.

Bill was born on October 11th, 1956 in New Prague, Minnesota to Ken and Vernie Edberg.  Bill graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1975, received a degree in Computer Science from Brown Institute, and worked as an Engineering Technician at Emerson for 40 years.  Bill married Lori (Vlasak) Edberg on September 15th, 1979 and welcomed his only son, Maverick Edberg on January 19th, 1989.  Following a divorce, Bill reunited with his high school sweetheart, Cheryl (Wagner) Christopherson, who shared love and friendship with Bill through his final days. 

Bill is remembered for his kind heart, his everlasting humor, and his willingness to help his loved ones.  Bill enjoyed biking, kayaking, traveling, and spoiling his grandkids.  He was a great lover of dogs, particularly his loyal beagle, Waldo.  Bill loved the holiday season and lived for family get-togethers.  Those who knew Bill will remember his silly jokes, his gentle manner, and the pride he had in his family. 

Bill is survived by his son, Maverick Edberg, his daughter-in-law, Sarah (Traffas) Edberg, his grandchildren, Owen (3) and Olivia (1) Edberg, his significant other, Cheryl (Wagner) Christopherson, his mother, Vernie Edberg, and his siblings, Big Don Edberg, Debbie (Jon) Malin, and Joe (Val) Edberg, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.  He is preceded in death by his father, Ken Edberg, and his adored beagle, Waldo.

Much consideration has gone into planning a way to honor such a wonderful man in the midst of this pandemic.  A virtual memorial service will be posted by November 25th on Kolden Funeral Home’s website.  Please join us in remembering Bill by posting stories and photos on that page.  Details for a Celebration of Life at Ritter Farm Park will be shared on the Kolden Funeral Home page and Bill’s CaringBridge when we can safely gather and celebrate Bill as he deserves next summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The University of Wisconsin’s UW Kids Cancer Fund at https://www.uwhealth.org/fighting-cancer-so-kids-wont-have-to/48952.  Bill endured a variety of cancer treatments, but he always said that the hardest part was seeing the kids who were being treated alongside him.  Please consider honoring Bill with a donation to this fund to help prevent and treat childhood cancer.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.