Calvin Walter Edwards, DVM

Retired veterinarian and beloved false curmudgeon, Calvin Edwards, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, in his home on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at age 78, as he was getting ready to go to a favorite weekly activity of pub trivia with friends.

The son of Irvin and Violet Edwards (Petersen), he was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, growing up an only child, but with three cousins, Ardath, Eleanor and Sue, whom he viewed as older sisters, living nearby. He attended Withrow High School, went on to undergrad at Iowa State University, and obtained his veterinary degree at Ohio State University.

Cal started in large animal practice in Chestertown, Maryland, where he spent his free time coaching little league, and eventually meeting his future wife, Janis (Arthurs). The two married in 1980 and moved to Muscoda, Wisconsin, near where Cal had spent his summers learning to love animals and farming life on his aunt and uncle’s farm. They moved shortly after to a practice in Berlin, Wisconsin, where he worked until his retirement. Cal enjoyed driving to different farms and treating animals, but mostly he loved the people he met and their families. A voracious reader, particularly of history, he was a great patron of the local public libraries. He is well remembered for his sense of humor and eagerness to share a ridiculous story. He always volunteered when there was a task to be done or quietly appeared when someone was in need.

After retirement, Cal became involved in the First Congregational Church in Ripon, was on the board of the Ripon Area League of Women Voters, volunteered for the Wisconsin Historical Society, and regularly audited courses at Ripon College. He is survived by his wife, Janis; his children, Hilary and Gavin; and his stepsons, Eli and Brent Woyke.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church, 220 Ransom Street in Ripon, Wisconsin, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and service starting at 2:00 p.m. An opportunity to share a story about Cal will be available at the service. You may view a livestream of Cal's service at 2:00 p.m. by visiting this link LIVESTREAM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sharing your favorite stories about or told by Cal with the family at StoriesAboutCal@gmail.com or making a donation to Feeding America, PBS, or NPR.