William Edward "Bill" Eisel

1938 - 2025

William Edward "Bill" Eisel

January 4, 1938 - November 17, 2025

William Edward "Bill" Eisel, age 87, of Mattoon passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Georgia on November 17, 2025.

Memorial services honoring his life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 8975 East County Road 1200 North, Mattoon, IL 61938 with Reverend David Ulrich officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Bill was born on January 4, 1938 in Bittinger, Md. the son of Francis L. and Mary Katherine (Brenneman) Eisel. He married Brenda Marajan Laniphier on September 17, 1957. She preceded him in death on May 3, 2020.

Survivors include his son, William Eric (Kimberly Renae) Eisel of Newbury Park, Calif.; daughters, Diane Elizabeth (Rev. Matthew) Nelson of Columbia Falls, Mont. and Lynn Annette (Ken) Rufener of Brunswick, Ga.; sister, Kay Frances (Larry) Clowser of Ijamsville, Md.; grandchildren, Claire Elizabeth Bischoff of Las Vegas, Nev., Andrew (Angel) Nelson of Montana, Mary Katherine "Katie" (Andrew) Hlebasko of Lowell, Ind., Cory Jason (Autumn) Rufener of Chesapeake City, Md., and Alexander Cole Eisel of Denver, Colo.; and great-grandchildren, Ellie, Jude and Ben Bischoff of Las Vegas, Nev., Everly and Miley Nelson of Montana, Alina and Logan Hlebasko of Lowell, Ind., Avery and Iza Rufener of Chesapeake City, Md.; and many cherished nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and one granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Nelson.

Bill served honorably and proudly in the United States Army from 1956 until 1959, spending time in Germany with the Criminal Investigation Division. Later, he became affectionately known to many as the "Pepsi man" during his years employed with Pepsi-Cola and as the beloved "cookie man" during his time working for Nabisco. Bill was a faithful and active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mattoon. Bill cherished spending time with his family. He was happiest when spending time outdoors tending his roses, a simple joy that brought him peace. Above all, Bill treasured the 62 beautiful years he shared with his beloved wife, Brenda. Their bond was so strong that where one breathed in, the other breathed out. They loved to dance, laugh, and simply be together. After waiting five and a half years to join her, Bill is finally reunited with the love of his life, so inseparable that Brenda may well have reached the pearly gates before Christ, just to welcome him home. Now, all is right again, for they are together once more.

Memorial donations in his honor may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.

Schilling Funeral Home

1301 Charleston Ave

Mattoon, IL 61938

2172350333