Edward Mathew Cody, age 81, with loving family members at his side, peacefully released into God's arms on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center-Weston, WI.

Edward (Ed) was born on February 7th, 1944, in Rhinelander, WI, the youngest of three creative and driven Cody children, Beatrice Marie (Green) of Neenah, WI and Edward Andrew Cody of Marquette, Michigan. Ed graduated from Rhinelander High School. He worked at Bergstrom Paper Company in Neenah, WI, was part of the National Guard, became a truck driver crisscrossing the east coast for around 10 years with the trucker CB handle, "Commander Cody" and "Loose Gravel," which is a nod to his quirky and free-spirited sense of humor and love of nicknames. Ed then spent 22 years at the Brokaw Paper Mill where he also served a number of years as the Union Vice President and then Union President fighting for the rights of his co-workers, he was also a self-taught wood carver for decades creating a legacy of beloved wood carved art for homes, yards, businesses, boat docks and shops all over the state and even across the country.

Ed has two children, Kate Cody and Matthew (Nicole) Cody from his first marriage to Patricia Riedel. Ed has two children, Jonathan (Lauren) Cody and Michael (Gina) Cody, from his second marriage to Barbara Cody. And Ed was a father figure to Rene Gardner Rebeck, Sheree Meschefske and Amanda Gardner, the three daughters of Lynnette Haemmerle, Ed's partner and, "Loved one," for over the last 30 years. From Ed's 4 children he has 7 beloved grandchildren carrying on the Cody line, Teagan, Peyton, Ella, Lily, Piper, Finn and Alaina.

Ed had a love for genealogy and family traditions and spent many hours traveling to graveyards of family descendants and researching family history. Ed even continued to try and get his name passed on to his grandchildren, however he kept having granddaughters. Ed, always finding the loophole for his agendas, suggested altering his granddaughter Ella's name to Edla. When the suggestion failed, he continued to refer to her as Edla over the years. However, Ed succeeded with the shared honor for his youngest granddaughter's middle name, Alaina Edelle.

Ed grew his love of chainsaw wood carving into his hobby and created, "Mad Captain Nauticals," where he created his nautical carvings of sea captains, pirates, seagulls, rope bound wood logs to display his smaller seagulls and continued as the "Mad Captain" as he expanded his creative skills to bears, red cardinals, Santas, snowmen, tiki guys, turtles, eagles, Uncle Sam, pelicans, fish, whales, sharks, owls, you name it he probably made it and even special one of a kind carvings like a 5 foot pink flamingo for his daughter-in-law, Becca, a deer hunter for family, and even a seahorse for his granddaughter, Lily. Ed involved his family and friends in the painting, staining and delivering of his carvings. In the various garages and trailer loaded car trips, many laughs were had, memories made, and stories told that will be cherished by all who took part.

Ed shared his love of old classic cars, classic bikes and music with his sons, Matt has the love of classic cars and taught himself how to play bass, guitar and banjo. Jon started a classic car consignment dealership, and Mike does classic custom car metal fabrication and restoration. They spent many hours and days driving to and from car shows, auctions and questionable locations in the pursuit of classic cars, classic bikes and everything in between. He also passed on his unique take on time management to his sons, which is now endlessly appreciated by their spouses.

Ed was a kind and lovingly goofy soul who helped those around him. Whether it was helping to find a car, assisting in yard work or snow removal, helping his family or to be the comic relief making people laugh and smile, he made many friends who were grateful for his giving and kindness and who would do the same for him.

Ed also had a love of boating, navigation, and being out on the water. He had multiple boats over the years that he and Lynn would travel around on making friends and memories at the different marinas, sometimes taking his kids along for a ride.

Ed is deeply loved and survived by his partner and, "loved one," Lynnette Haemmerle; four children and spouses: Kate Cody, Matthew (Nicole) Cody, Jonathan (Lauren) Cody, Michael (Gina) Cody; Lynn's daughters: Rene Gardner Rebeck, Sheree Meschefske, Amanda Gardner; seven grandchildren all Cody's: Teagan, Peyton, Ella, Lily, Piper, Alaina and his one grandson Finn; two siblings :Pete (Jackie) Cody, Mary (George) Merkel and many loved nieces and nephews, as well as other treasured relatives and loving friends.

Ed will be remembered for his intentionally goofy grin, his creativity, his story telling with unexpected twists and turns, his love of Pepsi soda and smoking, his creation of the "Cody rib stretch" to accommodate mass quantities of food intake, his comments that would cause bulging eyes and jaw to the floor reactions of surprise and humorous shock, his collection of silly t-shirts and solar powered dancing trinkets, and his generosity. Ed treasured the hours and hours he spent in his garage with his youngest son, Mike, sitting and talking or working on old bikes, classic cars, telling stories, discussing news events and family history, cracking jokes and laughing. His grandkids could always count on fun gifts and treats with visits and silly cartoon drawings in cards. We will never forget his laughter invoking slinky, head bobbing dance moves, his endless humor, and laughter. He made friends with everyone he came across. And whether you knew it or not, you probably had a creative and amusing nickname for life, such as turkey toes, mad dog, Edla, lizard lips, dog bones and some others we can't share here. He will be remembered for the love he gave to his furry pups, always nearby waiting for Ed's scratches, treats, comfy lap, and sporting those well-known nicknames. Ed is deeply missed by his loving family, friends and all who were in his path. He will live on in his children and grandchildren and in the stories, memories, jokes, and laughter that he instilled in them all.

A celebration of life and light luncheon will be held on Monday, June 16th, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home in Schofield, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. At 12:30 Ed's family will share some words, and those who would like to speak on Ed's behalf are welcome to share as well.