Frederick Charles Eisenhauer

Frederick Charles Eisenhauer, age 66, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. at the Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Wash.

Frederick Charles Eisenhauer was born March 11, 1948 in Pinckneyville, Illinois to Catherine (Lacy) and Fritz Eisenhauer. He was welcomed home by older brother Darrell and sister Mary Lou. Five years later, younger brother Ross was born and the family was complete. Fred enjoyed his childhood days with his siblings, cousins and a host of friends. His stomping' grounds included a path between his house and the city lake, where he would carry his homemade canoe to enjoy the nature that he loved so much.

Fred attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in forestry in 1970. After college, Fred decided to join the military, following the footsteps of his father and uncles. He served in the U.S. Army for three years, stationed in Berlin 1970-1973. During these years Fred made many lifelong friendships.

Following the service Fred returned to Pinckneyville where he met his sweetheart in May 1974. Pamela Gay (Farthing) and Fred Eisenhauer were married Oct. 19, 1974. Over the next 16 years they completed their family with four children, Rebecca Luann, Wyatt Dale, Hannah Jo and Leah Rose. Fred and Gay spent many wonderful years creating a happy and joyful home for their children and grandchildren. Always together, Fred and Gay enjoyed all of life's blessings, while also forever supporting each other during life's hardships. Fred and Gay were always a team, husband and wife as well as best friends.

Fred worked at UMWA Burning Star #5 mine. He loved working as an operating engineer for Local 520, just as his father did. In 2013, Fred retired from Local 520 after 40 years. Most recently, Fred enjoyed working at the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center in Whittington, Illinois.

Fred was a quiet man who cherished nature and children. He loved gardening and passing his time in the strawberry, squash and asparagus fields at his home. He was a loving and committed husband, father and pappy. He often said his children were his greatest accomplishments. His gentle spirit, calm demeanor and witty humor touched the lives of many people. His children will remember him for bed time stories and backrubs, tales from the good ole days and his smirk that would always brighten your day. He taught his kids the importance of acceptance and exploration. Spending much time in the woods, Fred provided hands-on learning and discovery of the world around them. Over the last 10 years, Fred has built meaningful relationships with fellow veterans and Patriot Guard Riders. He has enjoyed being involved in supporting and paying tribute to service members.

Fred is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gay (Farthing) Eisenhauer; three daughters and two sons-in-law; Rebecca (Eisenhauer) and William Anderson of Pinckneyville, Illinois; Hannah Eisenhauer and Angelo Salamone of Santa Agnes, Ibiza, Spain; Leah Eisenhauer of Nashville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Alexis, Caitlyn, Jacob and Amelia Anderson of Pinckneyville, Illinois; brothers and sisters, Darrell Eisenhauer (Sharon) of Harrisburg, Illinois, Mary Lou Ozburn (Bill) of Pinckneyville, Illinois, Ross Eisenhauer (Linda) of Pinckneyville, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.

Fred C. Eisenhauer was preceded in death by his son, Calvary Scout PFC Wyatt Dale Eisenhauer, parents Fritz and Catherine Eisenhauer and his in-laws Dale and Joy Farthing. On Dec. 11, 2014, with his loving wife of 40 years at his side, Fred passed away and was reunited with many loved ones. Fred was a kindred spirit who will be missed by many.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Nine Mile Baptist Church in Tamaroa, Illinois, with Fred's brother Darrell Eisenhauer officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery in Tamaroa, Illinois. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Illinois

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wyatt D. Eisenhauer Memorial Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home or at Murphy Wall State Bank, Pinckneyville, Illinois.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill., is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.