Donna Lee Eisman

Donna Lee Eisman, 77, of DeKalb, Illinois passed away March 18, 2026, at Bethany Rehabilitation Center in DeKalb, Illinois.

Born December 26, 1948, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Donna was the daughter of the late Edward and Cora (Nee Dohse) Tegtmeier.

Donna grew up in Itasca, IL where she lived on a farm with her parents and brother Allen. She married Sherburne F. Eisman Jr. on June 1, 1968, and together they had three children: Billy, Kristina, and Eddie. Donna and Sherb also fostered two children: Isam and Markesha.

Donna began her beloved nursing career as a CNA, then went on to earn her LPN at Proviso Township School of Practical Nursing subsequently moving on to graduate-having earned her RN degree from Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL. Donna accomplished these tremendous feats alongside being a full-time mother and wife and working full-time. Donna dedicated her life to helping others. During the span of her nursing career, she worked at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park where all three

of her children were born, Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, TX, and Little Angel's Center for Exceptional Care in Elgin, IL (now known as Marklund-Wasmond Center and School), a medical facility that cares for children and young adults with severe developmental disabilities and profound medical complexities. Donna had a God-given love for helping babies and children having also taken jobs working as a labor & delivery nurse for St. Joseph's Hospital in Elgin, and at Bethany Hospital in Chicago.

She was a very gifted quilter having been a member of the quilt guild at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle and making quilting contributions to Quilts of Valor in Elroy, Wi., whose quilts are created specifically to be awarded to United States veterans. She was very dedicated to the Lutheran Church and her faith in Jesus Christ was very important to her.

Although we mourn her loss deeply, we find comfort in knowing that she has entered into eternal life with her Creator and is finally reunited with Jesus and loved ones that she so dearly missed. She is now at peace.

Donna is survived by her children: William (Jennifer) Eisman, Kristina (Kenneth) Nootbaar, Sherburne (Karie) F. Eisman III, her grandchildren: Timothy Eisman, Jordan (Brittany) Eisman, Brennon (Kaili) Nootbaar, Bradley Nootbaar, Bryon Nootbaar, Alex Eisman, Braydon Nootbaar, Savanna Eisman, Bryleigh Nootbaar, and Maya Eisman, her great grandchildren: Lillian Eisman, Lyleigh Nootbaar, and Bronson Nootbaar. She was also survived by her dear friend Sandra Landrum and beloved dog Hershey. Donna was preceded in death by her husband Sherburne Eisman Jr, her brother Allen (Mary) Tegtmeier and her dear friend Roberta Leitza.

We, Donna's family, would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the amazingly loving and caring staff-especially Donna's beloved nurse "her girl," Arnillia-at Bethany Rehabilitation & Heath Care Center for the awesome care, kindness, empathy, and genuine love that they all gave to our mom during her stay and especially her last months. Please know that she loved you all.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held at a later date to be determined, burial to follow. Burial will be private.