Obituary of William Fredrick Barden
William Fredrick Barden (78) longtime St. Maries, ID resident passed away at his home on March 19, 2024. He was born to Fred and Gertrude Barden on July 9. 1945 in Hurley, WI. Bill grew up in St. Maries attending school there. He left school to go work in the woods, and at the age of 21 he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Bill served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1969. He returned to St. Maries and went back to work in the woods. In 1980 he married Kathleen Conley and the couple had 2 children. He bought a self-loader and established his own logging company. Bill logged all over North Idaho and ran his logging company for many years before the industry became busy and flooded with more loggers looking for work; creating a very competitive market for small gypo loggers. He then went to work for Jack Buell, driving trucks and running machines, ending his career running a Processor in 2004. Sadly, Kathy died in 2011; however Bill later found companionship and friendship with Harriet McCall.
In retirement, Bill enjoyed being in the woods and would cut firewood as a hobby. He also enjoyed attending auctions and riding his side by side. He and Harriet would camp and pick huckleberries all over, including trips to Southern Idaho and Utah; she was good at keeping him busy. Time at his cabin up the St. Joe was by far one of his most favorite things to do, and when he was able, he liked to hunt. Matlock and watching Westerns were his favorite things to watch on tv, but don’t let him fool you, he was also a huge Judge Judy fan! Most importantly, he loved spending time with his grandchildren Jada and Jaysen and following them around in their sporting events.
Bill is survived by his children BJ and Tracy Barden and Nicole Barden all of St. Maries; siblings David and Tonia Barden of Washington and Suzanne Kerby of St. Maries; grandchildren Jada and Jaysen Barden of St. Maries; and close friend Harriet McCall of Fernwood. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Kathy Barden.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Elks Lodge in St. Maries with a gathering of family and friends to follow. Military honors will be presented at a private by invitation only graveside service held later.
