Obit: Eisentraut, David (1944 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Eisentraut, Braatz, Opelt, Krehmeyer, Hediger, Jones, Strangfeld

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 02 May 2016

Eisentraut, David (3 JUN 1944 – 30 APR 2016)

David fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at home on the morning of April 30, 2016 where he was surrounded by his family and friends. David was 71 years old and will be deeply missed by all.

David was born in Clark County, WI on June 3, 1944. He was the third son, of Doris Eisentraut (Braatz) and Carl Eisentraut.

He attended grade and high school in Neillsville, WI. At age 17 David joined the United States Marine Corps where he traveled to Camp Pendleton California and proudly served his Country as part of the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Marines throughout the Vietnam War era.

He completed his service and was honorably discharged as Lance Corporal E3. At which time he returned to Neillsville with his wife Patricia and family and assumed responsibility of the family farm. He also worked hand and hand with his Father and Brother to help operate Eisentraut Tree Farms.

David later attended Chippewa Valley Technical College and began his apprenticeship in the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman. He worked as a journeyman plasterer for many years with Christensen Plastering of Neillsville and Kopf Plastering of Marshfield until his well-deserved retirement.

He and Patricia, his wife of 52 years, spent their post retirement years traveling together to some beautiful places such as Ireland, Italy and the Canadian Rockies.

David loved working in his garden and just enjoying the outdoors. He was part of many family fishing trips to the Boundary Waters and always enjoyed getting out Musky fishing with his Brother and Son. He had many successful hunting trips out west and never missed a Wisconsin deer season opener in over 60 years. David loved reading a good book and was a huge Packer and Badger fan.

In his early years David was a member of the Neillsville Saddle Tramps, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association and Dairyland Fox and Coon Hunters Association. He also brought back many first place trophies as a member of the Neillsville Bowling League and the American Legion Softball Team.

He was a long time member American Legion Post 73, The Neillsville Men's Club, International Union of BAC and always remained a proud Marine.

David was preceded in death his Father Carl Eisentraut, Brother Jimmy Eisentraut, Step Father Victor Braatz and Mother in Law Dorothy Opelt.

David is survived by his wife Patricia, Mother Doris Braatz, Brother Arne Eisentraut, Father in Law Robert Opelt, Son David (Carolyn) Eisentraut, Daughter Kristi (Bryan) Krehmeyer, Daughter Jody (Mitch) Hediger, Daughter Tami (Dave) Jones, Daughter Jeanne (Jeff) Strangfeld, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for David will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Douglas Bjerke will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 7th at the Gesche Funeral Home. Military Honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Military Funeral Honors Program.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting David's family with Funeral arrangements.