Richard Willard Eisenmann

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 7, 2019 Richard Willard Eisenmann, affectionately known as “Dick”, determined it was his time to “go home” after battling a long-term illness. He was born October 26, 1949 in Buffalo, New York and adopted by Willard (Bill) and Eleanor (Ellie) Eisenmann who were blessed to call him their own.
He grew up as an only child in the Rochester, New York area and graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1967.
Dick actively served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electricians mate from 1967-1971 and spent the majority of his service at sea or on foreign soil during the Vietnam war. He was honorably discharged in August 1973.
A Navy buddy introduced him to the love of his life, Yvonne, while on leave for the 4th of July holiday.  That Navy buddy, Darrell, later became his brother in law on May 31, 1971. After the service they lived in his home state of New York for 6 years before moving back to Utah to raise their family. They had two daughters; Melanie and Brianna and one son, “DJ”.
Dick spent the majority of his career as an Electrical engineer with Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK Aerospace Systems) where he retired after 31 years.
Dad was a collector of just about everything: basketball cards, stamps, coins, M&M dispensers, rocks, fossils, maps, fish and anything that he thought might hold value sometime in the very, very, very distant future. He was an adventurer at heart- there wasn’t a stream he didn’t try, a critter he wouldn’t bring home, a rock he didn’t turn, a mountain he didn’t climb, a trail he didn’t trudge or a map he didn’t follow. And if there wasn’t a map to follow, he made one! When he wasn’t IN nature, he was watching it on TV. There was nary a Sunday morning that didn’t include the whispering guidance of Fishing Channel hosts. In recent years Dad took up genealogy. He always yearned to know his “story”. Where did he come from? What were his roots? Did he have any siblings? He took a DNA test and after almost a life time of wondering, his mostly quiet prayers were finally answered. In April, 2019, his biological first cousin, Robin, reached out to him. He was beyond ecstatic and even more thrilled to know that THEY had also been looking for HIM. As his children, we cannot begin to express what a blessing Robin has been to Dad and to us. She was not only willing to answer his questions, but was genuinely interested in cultivating a relationship with him. The timing of this knowledge, closure and friendship was a precious gift.
It was important to Dick that his wife’s family knew that he loved them immensely and always thought of them as his own. He wanted his friends to know that he hoped he had been a positive in their life, like they had been for him. He loved the fact that he had the good fortune to have such wonderful neighbors that he also considered dear friends. The kindness they have shown in his final years meant so much to him. He wanted his friends at Symbii Home Health and Hospice to know how much he appreciated and loved them as well- including Anke, Amanda, Brandon and Teresa. You all brought a little sunshine to his last days, especially his nurse, good friend, and “soul brother”, Nickson.
Dick is survived by his three children; Melanie Lockhart, Brianna (Clayton) La’ulu, DJ (Emily) Eisenmann and 8 grandchildren- Paxton, Averie, Shawn, Devan, Maddox, Jordyn, Jaxon and Payton whom he loved very much.
We find peace in knowing he was reunited with his “honey” of 44 years, whose companionship he has achingly longed for since her passing.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Dick on Friday September 6th, 2019. It will be held in the West Jordan 43rd Ward Cultural Hall, 6695 South 2200 West in West Jordan UT. 84084 from 6-9 PM. Dads favorite snacks will be served.
Service Information

Celebration of Life
September 6, 2019 at 6:00 - 9:00 PM
6695 South 2200 West, West Jordan Utah, 84084