Update: Wesley William Eisenhauer

July 3, 2008

Almost exactly one year ago (July 5, 2007) I posted an article on this blog regarding the passing of my grandfather. The original post, titled Wesley William Eisenhauer (9/6/29 - 6/26/07), is copied below (an update follows):

My Grandfather, Wesley Eisenhauer, passed away last Tuesday. He will be truly missed! I thought since he was an Eisenhauer that it would make sense to include information about him and his death on this site. Below you can find the obituary that appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Eisenhauer, Wesley William, 77 years old, passed away June 26, 2007 after a long, valiant struggle with cancer. He previously battled heart trouble and kidney disease.

Wes was born and educated in Kenosha, WI. His parents were Harold and Mary (Lynch) Eisenhauer. After serving in the Korean War, he married Dorothy Kleist.

They moved to Milwaukee in 1955 where Wes worked at the Weiler Greenhouses on 27th Street, then moved to the Layton Avenue Greenhouses in 1958.

In 1962 Wes began his career with the Milwaukee County Park System as a gardener at Whitnall Park. Eight years later he was promoted to Assistant Director of the Mitchell Park Domes. In 1972 he was promoted to District Supervisor of Brown Deer Park; 1979 promoted to District Supervisor of Whitnall Park; 1984 promoted to Botanic Manager South Region and in 1988 promoted to Horticultural Nature Manager for Milwaukee County Parks. Wes retired in 1989 after serving 28 years for Milwaukee County.
Wes was a life-long student and educator attaining a Bachelor’s Degree from U.W. Milwaukee. He also earned a Masters’ Degree from U.W. Whitewater and a second Masters’ Degree from U.W. Madison.

Wes’ love of plants, nature and people kept him active in his retirement. He taught at M.A.T.C., developed and ran a Plant Doctor Clinic for the South Milwaukee Library, and also shared his knowledge and expertise in promoting park programs.
Wes really enjoyed designing flower beds for Grant and Sheridan Parks, and many other areas. In 1988, with former S.M. Mayor Chet Grobschmidt’s encouragement, Wes designed the landscape surrounding the Veteran’s Memorial at North Chicago Avenue in South Milwaukee.

He truly liked everyone he worked with and cared for all of his neighbors.

Wes is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy and loving children Patricia (Greg) Bolter, James (Mary), Susan, Joseph, Timothy, Matthew (Julie), John, Clinton, and Andrew. Dear grandfather of Jessica, Karl, Kelly, Steven, Jacki, Riley and Olivia. Further survived by sisters-in-law Patricia Kleist and Hellen Eisenhauer of Kenosha, sisters Mary Zimmerman (St. Petersburg, FL) and Ele (Don) Weber (Murrels Inlet, SC). Preceded in death by sister Mellie LeMay and brothers Harold, Roy and Dave. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of St. Luke’s South Shore who cared for Wes during this time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Divine Mercy Church or The Park People, 1845 N. Farwell Avenue #100, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Visitation Mon. July 2, 4-7pm at the funeral home. Memorial Mass Tues. July 3, 10:30am at Divine Mercy, 1304 Manitoba Ave., South Milwaukee. Private Interment.

Yesterday, I visited his gravesite (at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in South Milwaukee, WI). I also visited a tree dedicated to his memory by the Park People organization in Grant Park (a Milwaukee County Park System Park). Pictures of the gravestones, the tree and the tag on the tree are included in this post. Click on any picture for more details.