William John Eisenzimmer

William “Bill” J. Eisenzimmer, 63 died peacefully at his home in Devils Lake on September 24, 2005 with his family at his side after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C.F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Firemen’s Honors will be accorded by the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6:30 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Honorary Casket Bearers will be Bill’s many dear friends and neighbors. Active Casket Bearers will be: LaVern Bertsch, David Eisenzimmer, Leo Ziegler, Paul Arends, Gary Kurtz and Tee Kurtz. Music will be provided by Tom Burckhard and Lynne Webster, Vocalists and JoDee Lagein, Organist Gift Bearers will be; Jack and Sue Eisenzimmer Reading the Scriptures will be David Eisenzimmer Bill was born on September 30, 1941 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, the son of Mike and Katherine (Keller) Eisenzimmer. Bill attended St. Mary’s Academy through the 6th grade. He then attended the White Township Country School at Annamoose, ND. He graduated from Annamoose High School in 1960. Bill helped his step-dad, Peter Grossman at his farm and worked at the Farmers Union Elevator during his school years. He joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1959. After basic training he moved to Devils Lake and worked for the Devils Lake City Water Department, becoming the foreman. Bill then worked for the Devils Lake Journal for 13 years. He then re-joined the National Guard and began working at Camp Grafton, retiring on September 29th, 2001 having a total of 38 years of service. After retiring from the Guard, Bill worked at Ramsey National Bank and for his son-in-law on the farm, until ill-health forced him to retire. Bill married Virginia Deplazes on June 30, 1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived through the years. Bill was a long time member of the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department and was honored to serve two terms as President. Bill was a member of the America Legion and Knights of Columbus, serving several years on the House Committee. Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virginia Daughters: Cheryl (Clay) Houselog, Henning, Minnesota Carol (Roger) Conway, Esko, Minnesota Alyson (Kent) Myhre, Sheyenne, North Dakota Nancy (Mike) Ziegler, Devils Lake Son: Keith (Mary) Eisenzimmer, Julesburg, Colorado Eleven Grandchildren: Samantha, Sara, Christopher, Savanna, Erin, Jacob, Alyssa, Wyatt, Emma, Ethan and Makenna. Brothers: Raymond (Jeanne) Eisenzimmer, Devils Lake Jack (Sue) Eisenzimmer, Grand Forks Step-Brothers: Ed (Mary) Grossman, Harvey, ND Ray (Luella) Grossman, Glenburn, ND Mother-In-Law: Hester Deplazes, Devils Lake Many Nieces and Nephews also survive Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marie Michel and Alice Weber; brothers, Paul and Floyd Eisenzimmer and Joe Keller; step-father, Peter Grossman; step-brother, Harry Grossman. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph’s Catholic School of Devils Lake. Friends may sign the on-line register book on www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com