Reverend William Eisenmann

William Carl “Bill” Eisenmann, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, following complications from a fall due to Parkinson’s. A man of deep faith and boundless creativity, Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted pastor. His family finds peace knowing he was able to spend his final Christmas at home, surrounded by those he loved.

Born on May 29, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Lillian and Norman Eisenmann, Bill’s life was rooted in the Lutheran faith from the beginning. Baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s in Toledo, Ohio, he followed a calling to ministry that led him through Capital University and Luther Theological Seminary.

Ordained in 1968, "Pastor Bill" spent over five decades serving congregations with a compassionate heart. His ministry spanned Michigan (Salem Memorial, St. Paul-Evart, St. Paul-Port Huron, and Zion-Freeland) and Minnesota (Our Saviour’s-Hastings, St. Paul’s-Red Wing, and Arlington Hills-St. Paul). Even in retirement, he continued to serve as an interim and visitation pastor at Minnetonka Lutheran and Salem Lutheran in West St. Paul.

Bill’s ministry wasn't confined to the pulpit. A gifted storyteller and puppeteer, he delighted in sharing joy and lessons through his puppets. His adventurous spirit took him from the quiet waters of the Boundary Waters and the North Shore to the distant landscapes of Germany and Tanzania. At home, he could often be found singing, strumming his guitar, or tending to his gardens and model train collection.

Bill’s greatest legacy is his family. He married Marian Hogoboom on June 29, 1968, in western North Dakota, and they celebrated 57 years of partnership this past summer. He is survived by Marian; his children, Dave (Niki) and Amy; and his four beloved grandchildren: Katie (Caden) Wise, Nate, Zach, and Megan. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Richard Campbell, and brother Bruce.

Services: Visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, from 2-4 pm at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 South Robert Street, (West St. Paul). The funeral service will be Monday, January 12, at 11 am  with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church (live stream/recording available), followed by a luncheon. A private burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing will be held at a later date.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Neighbors-South St. Paul, the German American Institute, or Augustana Lutheran Church

Arangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing.