William "Bill" Eischens

William “Bill” M. Eischens, age 69 of Willmar, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 16, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 302 Olena Ave SE, Willmar, MN 56201. A Celebration of Life will be held after the funeral service at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Interment will be at the Catholic Cemetery in Glencoe, MN. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home, 700 Becker Ave SW, Willmar, MN 56201. Visitation and viewing will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Arrangements are by Peterson Brothers Funeral home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Bill was born on January 30, 1952 to Jerry and Marie Eischens. The second of eleven children, he was baptized and confirmed at St. Pius X Catholic Church. The eldest son, and one of six brothers, Bill graduated from Glencoe High School in 1970 and attended culinary school in Duluth. His early years were largely spent working side-by-side with his parents and brothers and sisters at the family-owned bakery in Glencoe. In a large family, where the eldest were frequently charged with caring for the youngest, he learned many life lessons on the importance of family, and the need for families to come together to support each other, lessons he carried throughout his life.

On October 12, 1974, Bill married Judy Just, and they made their home in Willmar, Minnesota. Bill was employed as manager at the Timbers Restaurant for three years. In 1977, he accepted a position with the Burlington Northern Railroad, and in April 2014 he retired after 36 years as an Engineer. A father to four children, he enjoyed spending time with his kids and friends, camping, fishing, boating, dancing, and singing. His work sometimes took him to northern Minnesota, where he enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Duluth Harbor and Lake Superior. He especially loved watching the big ships pass through the canal.

Bill also enjoyed his “coffee with the gang,” spending time visiting with friends over coffee at McMillan’s Family Restaurant. He had a big heart, was patient and kind, and always saw the good in others. He was a committed family man and will be remembered as the best brother, dad, and grandpa ever.

He is survived by his three children, Mitch (and Kristi) Eischens of Willmar, Marci (and Joe) Sussenguth of St. Joseph, and Melissa (and Nick) Hadfield of Annandale; and six grandchildren, Cole and Connor Eischens, Nolan and Ella Sussenguth and Brady and Madalynn Hadfield. Bill is also survived by his nine siblings, Linda Shaul of Glencoe, Bruce Eischens of Waconia, Fred Eischens of Shakopee, Penny (and Tom) Glowienka of Wind Lake, WI., Darcy Eischens of Washington DC., Tim (and Sherri) Eischens of Glencoe, Todd Eischens of Silver Lake, Shari Templin (and John) of Glencoe, and Randy Eischens of Green Isle, in addition to many other relatives and friends. He also leaves behind his canine companion and best friend, Joey.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry (2000) and Marie (2019); sister, Pamela Eischens Kollei (2000); and son, Gabe Eischens (February 2021).