Verlyn Gerald Eisenhauer

Verlyn Gerald Eisenhauer, age 91, died peacefully at Chestnut Fields in Muskegon on November 4, 2023. He was born in Flowerfield Township, Michigan, September 21, 1932, on his paternal grandparents’ farm. He was the oldest of three children born to Willard and Hope (Draper) Eisenhauer. His two sisters are Donna Johnson and Ardith Bjorge. He went to Sheldon Creek, a one-room country school in his early years. In his teen years, he and his father became interested in registered Holstein dairy cattle. They developed a herd of 20-25 cows and sold grade A milk. Verlyn graduated as a salutatorian from Marcellus Rural Agricultural School in 1950.

Verlyn started attending church in November of 1952. He made a decision for Christ in May of 1953. In 1955, Verlyn was drafted into the United States Army. He served in France and Germany. He was the engineer mechanic in the 565^th Ordnance Company in Toul, France. He went to engineering school in Murnaw, Germany, and graduated number one in his class.

After his time in service, Verlyn attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He married DeLoris Jean Brockway in 1959 and became a parent to Beth in 1961 and John in 1965. He graduated from Moody in 1961 and attended Greenville College graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He was employed by Coopersville Area Public Schools as a biology teacher for 32 years retiring in 1995. During that time, he attended Central Michigan University where he earned a master’s in science degree. He attended Michigan State University and became certified in Driver’s Education which he taught for 23 years. He was the faculty advisor for the Bible Club, Science Club and yearbook. He worked as the groundskeeper at a Christian camp in the summers. He taught Sunday School for many years.

Verlyn built and shot muzzle-loader rifles which he used for deer hunting. Later, he became a collector of John Deere and Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors.

Over the years, he used his spiritual gift of helping others to wash buckets at VenRoy Bluberries. He helped other friends and family by mowing their yards and fixing their tractors.

Verlyn was a devoted husband to DeLoris for 43 years. They enjoyed traveling together in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Scotland, Poland, Italy, Mexico, Israel, Turkey and Alaska. DeLoris died of brain cancer in 2004.

Verlyn suffered a devastating stroke in May of 2016. Despite his limitations he continued to do all he could to help others. Eventually he moved to an independent living apartment and then to Chestnut Fields assisted living. There he met and fell in love with Kay Heath. They spent nearly every day together. When Verlyn developed his final serious illness, Kay’s health began deteriorating a day later. The two of them died within hours of each other.

Verlyn is survived by his two sisters: Donna Johnson of Evans, Georgia, and Ardith Bjorge of Springfield, Missouri. His children: Beth (Jerry) Evans of Nunica, Michigan and John (Tonya) Eisenhauer of Euless, Texas. His grandchildren: Elaina Evans Chelstrom (Kristian), David Evans, Christiana Evans, Cosette Eisenhauer, and Daniel Eisenhauer. His nieces and nephews: Debbie Forrester, Lisa Kessler, Ven Johnson, Bruce Bjorge and Brenda Bauer. His great grandchildren: Micah Chelstrom and Katherine Chelstrom.

Visitation will be at Throop Funeral Home in Coopersville, Michigan, Friday, November 10, from 4-7 PM. The memorial service will be at Ottawa Center Chapel in Coopersville, Saturday, November 11 at 11 AM with Pastor Bob Porterfield officiating. Lunch will be served immediately following the service.

The family would like to express our thanks to the staff at Chestnut Fields for the tender care given to Verlyn. Memorial donations may be made to Ottawa Center Chapel, 8991 Leonard St, Coopersville, MI 49404. Sign Verlyn’s online guestbook at www.throopfh.com

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville 616-837-8161