Born on Feb. 7, 1942, in Jackson, Minn., Mike was the son of the late Urban Leo and Alma (Welchlin) Eisenmenger. Mike attended school in Sherburn, where he played football, ran track, and earned the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout.

Growing up in Sherburn, Minn., he was shaped by a close-knit community and the bustling energy of “the garage”–the Eisenmenger Motors Company started by his father.

Mike possessed a sharp, analytical mind, which led him to earn an engineering degree from Parks College in St. Louis, Miss. He spent many years working in the aerospace industry. He did return home and run the family business, Eisenmenger Motors car dealership. It was a natural fit for Mike, who had a lifelong passion for fast cars, beautiful cars, and new cars. After several successful years in the automotive industry, Mike returned to engineering, where he spent the remainder of his career.

He was deeply committed to his community. Mike was actively involved in many organizations in Sherburn, including Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, and Jaycees. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and was active in the Catholic Church, where he taught CCD classes and shared his faith with others. Mike was a proud, active member of the Sherburn Fire Department for 18 years.

When Mike wasn’t working, he was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. He found his greatest peace and joy in nature. An avid hunter, fisherman, and gun collector, he enjoyed his time spent in the wild. His treasured adventures took him far and wide, from the pristine waters of Alaska and Canada for fishing excursions to the open country of Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota for hunting whenever he had the opportunity.

Mike also spent many hours biking and walking, which were two of his greatest pleasures.

Mike was so deeply loved. The impact he made on all lives will last forever. He always brought fun wherever he went — full of stories, jokes, laughter, and wisdom from a life well lived. He raised his children with so much love, strength, guidance, and unwavering support. No matter what they faced, he always had advice to give and experiences to share.

Mike lost his life at 84 years to the devastating effects of Lewy Body dementia. That disease slowly took so much from him and from all of those who loved him. The family has chosen to hold tight to the beautiful memories of who he truly was before that cruel illness — His smile, humor, spirit, wisdom, jokes he shared, and love he gave so freely.

Mike’s greatest legacy is the large, vibrant family he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Holly Koller Eisenmenger of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Barbara Anderson Eisenmenger of Minneapolis, Minn., the mother of his seven children.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Kimberly (Dave) Otte of Highland Village, Texas; Laurie (Brad) Sherman of Truman, Minn.; Mark (Janay) of Northville, Mich.; Stephen (Lynnsie) of Minneapolis, Minn.; Judith (Daryl) Sanders of Truman, Minn.; David (Heather) of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Daniel (Lucy) of Thornton, Colo. His step-daughters, Brandy (Patrick) Bunkers and Abby (Riley) Cook, both of Sioux Falls, S.D.; his sister Marsha Sickler of Sherburn, Minn.; 18 cherished grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving Sheri and Alex Reichert of Yankton, S.D., who he loved as family.

While these hearts will miss him every day, there is comfort knowing he is at peace, resting safely in God’s hands. We will love you always

He was preceded in death by his parents, Urban and Alma Eisenmenger. His brother and wife, John (Pal) and Darlene Eisenmenger, and his brother-in-law, Tom Sickler.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Center for Active Generations – Day Break, Sioux Falls, S.D., the Sherburne Volunteer Fire Department, or a local Memory Care facility in Mike’s honor.

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