Donald William Eisele

Donald William Eisele

January 1, 1934 – September 27, 2025

Coach Don Eisele passed away peacefully surrounded by love at McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Don was born in Atchison, Kansas to Carl and Martha (Bruce) Eisele on January 1, 1934 and thrived there. His Atchison upbringing sparked a life-long interest in hunting, training bird dogs, and other outdoor activities. He held Atchison in high regard throughout his life.

Following graduation from Atchison High School in 1952, Don was awarded a football scholarship to Graceland College, a two-year college associated with the RLDS/Community of Christ Church, in Lamoni, Iowa. He lettered in both football (linebacker and center) and track (javelin) at Graceland and at Warrensburg.

As luck would have it, Don's life was forever changed during his sophomore year at Graceland when he spotted a cute girl named Bert walking across the library in the fall of 1953. Don knew a good thing when he saw it and they were engaged the following year.

Don graduated from Graceland in May 1954, and worked a variety of jobs while Bert finished her second year at Graceland. He was drafted into the Army on July 5, 1955 and spent the next two years serving his country and enjoying his free time traveling through Europe. Don was honorably discharged as a Specialist 3rd Class Technician in June 1957 and received a good conduct medal along with a commendation for his rifle marksmanship.

While Don served his country, Bert planned their wedding and they were married at the RLDS Church in Topeka, Kansas, on August 25, 1957. They would maintain membership in the church for the rest of their lives. Both Don and Bert earned their undergraduate degrees together at Central Missouri State College (Warrensburg). Don graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Education while Bert earned a Bachelor of Music Education. They both went on to earn their master's degrees.

Don began his teaching career as lead football and basketball coach at Plattsburg High School in Plattsburg, MO, and soon after moved to Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, MO where he was the assistant football coach. After a short time, he accepted a position with the North Kansas City School District at Eastgate Junior High in 1962 where he taught and coached until retirement in 1987.

Retirement did not last long and Don started a successful career in real estate working as a realtor for ReMax and later as a partner with Realty Executives. With the connections he had with former students, Don had a very successful second career and retired from selling real estate in the late 1990s.

While teaching for NKCSD, Don and Bert developed lifelong friendships. They enjoyed regular get-togethers, as well as celebrations of milestones with other couples having connections to the North Kansas City School District. Don enjoyed traveling, family connections, home projects, photography, gun collecting, and hunting deer, turkeys and other wildlife. Eventually, Don built a wildlife preserve on his acreage in Bourbon County, KS, which will continue on.

Don is survived by his daughters Wendy Eisele and Stacey Murray (Don), son Scott Eisele and his brother Carl "Bud" Eisele (Ione). He was especially proud of his grandchildren Alexander Murray, Hannah Eisele-Miller, Nicholas Murray, Elliott Eisele-Miller, Sydney Eisele, Rachel Murray, Stephanie Murray, Quinn Eisele and Brett Murray. Don was preceded in death by his wife Huberta "Bert" Eisele, his parents and sister Pamela.

Don was more than a husband, dad, grandpa and friend. He was a blessing to have in all our lives and will be missed dearly, especially his onery sense of humor and quick wit.

We extend our profound appreciation to the dedicated staff at McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff with special thanks to Murphy and Cindy. We hope you felt Don's love. We know he felt yours. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the amazing staff at Ascend Hospice.

Don will be laid to rest with a military service at the Fort Scott, KS, national cemetery next to his wife in a private ceremony.

Please help celebrate the life of Don by sharing a memory or expressing your condolences to the family.