Gary L. Eilenstine

Gary L. Eilenstine

June 13, 1949 – December 1, 2023

Gary L. Eilenstine, 74, of Grand Island, NE, died Friday, December 1, 2023, at his daughter's home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at All Faiths Funeral Home. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service. Dan Naranjo will officiate. A burial will follow at the Westlawn Cemetery.

Gary was the son of Gerald and Darlene (Obermiller) Eilenstine. He was born June 13, 1949, in St. Paul, Nebraska.

Survivors of his family include his three sons and daughters-in-law, Shane and Barbara Eilenstine of Greeley, CO, Troy and Nichole Eilenstine of Kearney, NE, and Matt and Jaylene Eilenstine of Omaha, NE. One daughter and son-in-law, Shalia Eilenstine and Nagendra Natarajan of Omaha, NE. Eleven grandchildren, Alexia and Benjamin Eilenstine, Casandra Bruha, Braxton, Hendrix and Helix Eilenstine, Reese and Ethan Eilenstine, and Simon, Elijah, and Eleanor Natarajan. Two great-grandchildren, Raiden and Aella Bruha. Brother, Mark (Chris) Eilenstine of Boelus, NE and sisters, Sharon (Chuck) Smutzer of Hattiesburg, MS, Linda Flactiff of Wood River, NE, and Kristi (Kurt) Koepp of Wood River, NE.

Gary grew up in rural Boelus, graduating from Boelus High School in 1967. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1969, serving in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971. He married Linda Placzek in 1969 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island, NE. They lived in Grand Island until the family moved to a farm near Rockville, NE in 1979.

Gary worked as a drywall finisher for E&K early on in his career, until he started his own drywall/construction business, which he continued until the time of his death. He loved his work and could always be found busy working on something.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, riding ATVs, being outdoors, grilling, baking, gardening and tending to his peach trees. He cherished the time he was able to spend with his partner of over 10 years, Leona Janda, prior to her passing.

Gary is welcomed into heaven by his parents, two brothers, Kirk and Raymond Eilenstine, and his life partner, Leona Janda.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership-Veterans Rapid Re-Housing Program.

Online condolences may be given at www.giallfaiths.com