Lee Elden Barden, age 83, of rural Cambria passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at UW Madison Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born October 31,1940 in Portage to Elden and Anita Barden. 

Lee graduated from Pardeeville High School then furthered his education at UW-Madison in the Farm Short Course. In July 1960 he married the love of his life, Judy Thompson, of Pardeeville. Together they made their life’s work operating Prairie Edge Farm, and were proud to host the Columbia Co. Dairy Breakfast on two occasions. Lee received the Century Farm Award which recognizes 100 years of continuous ownership through four generations of the Barden family. 

Lee was an avid outdoorsman: hunting, fishing, and trapping. He was an excellent shot, earning several awards in trapshooting. Early in his marriage, he owned Lee’s Gun Center for several years. Lee also taught Hunter Safety courses. He was a skilled photographer and was published in the 1977 State Historical Society of Wisconsin calendar. 

Lee enjoyed a love of music that he and Judy shared since high school. He played tenor sax in the Dual Co. Community Band, and he sang in several Christian groups: the Jubilations, HIS Quartet, and most recently, the Gospeliers. 

Lee was in the National Guard and Army. He served as the clerk for Scott Township and was the Director of the South Central Mutual Insurance Co. for many years. He also served on the Rosedale Cemetery Board. His membership to the American Legion of Cambria was truly an honor. Lee loved the church and his church family, serving in many roles. In retirement, he enjoyed the weekly fellowship of the men’s coffee group at Grace Presbyterian Church. 

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy; son Mark Barden; daughter Laura (Reggie) Kallenbach; granddaughter Kimberly Barden; grandson Nick Barden (Anne Carstensen); grandson Conner Kallenbach; great granddaughter Claire Barden; and sister-in-law Bev Barden. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Larry. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:00 A.M at Grace Presbyterian Church in Pardeeville with Pastor Chuck Walton officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville and 10:00 A.M until the time of service at Church on Thursday. Interment will take place at the Rosedale Cemetery in rural Cambria. Memorials may be made to the Grace Presbyterian Church. 

Special thanks to the nursing staff at Aspirus and UW Madison hospitals who gave their utmost care and compassion to comfort Lee during his final week.