Bernie M. Eisenmenger

Bernard “Bernie” Eisenmenger, age 68, of Pesotum passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Bernie was born December 6, 1956 in Urbana to Bernard and Geraldine Eisenmenger. On July 28, 1979, he married Paula Abeln and they spent 45 wonderful years growing their family and life together. 

After graduating from high school in 1975, Bernie attended Parkland College gaining a degree in Diesel Mechanics and Business Management. He went on to use this education as an Illini FS floater driver in Tolono before managing the tire shop in Tuscola. Bernie was also known for always lending a hand. He was touted as the best “shade tree mechanic” and was known for helping area farmers, neighbors, friends, and family with mechanical and house projects. Gardening with Jeri, teaching his grandchildren the proper ripeness of strawberries, and enjoying coffee with family, friends, and fellow retirees were Bernie’s retirement favorites. Perhaps the most popular past-time, though, was helping Santa each Christmas. Bernie was able to visit with young and old spreading the best Christmas cheer for 50 years.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Paula Eisenmenger; daughter Jeri Lynn; son, Nicholas (Sarah); grandchildren, Quinn, Laney, and Rhett; his siblings; Richard (Rita), Helen (Bruce) Purcell, John (Marian), Jeannine Eisenmenger, and Jeff (Janelle) Bushell.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Charles Eisenmenger; sister, Mary Zahnd; and brother-in-law, Terry Zahnd.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, February 21 at the Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove. A funeral mass in his honor will be held Saturday, February 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Father Keith Walder officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Developmental Services of Champaign.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernie M. Eisenmenger, please visit our floral store.