Richard M. Eisenmenger

Richard M. Eisenmenger, 80, of Pesotum passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Bickford of Champaign.

Richard was born on August 25, 1944 in Urbana to Bernard and Geraldine (Hettinger) Eisenmenger. He married Rita Wieher on June 15, 1968 at St. Cajetan Catholic Church in Chicago.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rita "Burnsey" Eisenmenger; children, Rich (Karen) Eisenmenger, Jim (Jennifer) Eisenmenger, Dana (Keith) Good, and Laura (Deepak) Eisenmenger; eighteen grandchildren with one more on the way; siblings, Helen (Bruce) Purcell, John (Marian) Eisenmenger, Jeannine Eisenmenger, and Jeff (Janelle) Bushell; and sister-in-law, Paula Eisenmenger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Geraldine Eisenmenger; siblings, Robert Eisenmenger, Mary Zahnd, Charles Eisenmenger, and Bernie Eisenmenger; and brother-in-law, Terry Zahnd.

Rich grew up in a farming family and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Villa Grove High School. He then attained a bachelor’s degree from SIU-C in Agribusiness. Rich was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and woodworking. Around the time he married and started a family, Rich began his career as an elementary school teacher. He had a love for math, science, and nature. His passion for teaching led him to develop an innovative math curriculum, which he used to teach countless children in the classroom and always dreamed of publishing. He also enjoyed athletics as a coach for his children’s baseball and softball teams, with particular enthusiasm for pitching instruction. For many years he attended St. Joseph Church in Pesotum with his family, where he often participated in Mass as a reader and communion server. In the last year of his life, Rich became a most tender and loving caregiver to his wife, putting her needs first even as his own health declined. He will be missed.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 11a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow. Father Keith Walder will be officiating. Burial will be at the St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Villa Grove Community Unit School District No. 302. You may mail the check to Villa Grove Community Unit School District No. 302 400 N. Sycamore St. Villa Grove, IL  61956. Please mention Richard Eisenmenger Memorial / special education in the note.

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