Gerald "Jerry" Eisenbarth, 86, of rural Franklin died Sunday, December 20, 2015 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2015 from Church of the Sacred Heart in Franklin with burial to follow in St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery, Fairfax. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, December 27, 2015, from 5 until 8, with a prayer service at 5 p.m., and will continue on Monday, from 10 until 11 a.m.
Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via
www.nelson-hillestad.com
.
Gerald Edward Eisenbarth, the son of Joseph A. and Clara (Hildman) Eisenbarth, was born October 22, 1929 in Eden Township, Brown County. He grew up on the Eisenbarth homeplace near Franklin and received his formal education in St. Michael's Catholic School.
On November 28, 1951, Jerry married Mary Cronin at Church of the Sacred Heart in Franklin and they made their home on the family farm. Jerry and Mary were blessed with five daughters. She preceded him in death on February 27, 1990. Jerry later married Lois Ness-Hartung in Hector; she also preceded him in death.
For over 70 years, Jerry farmed and also did gravel hauling and excavation. He retired in 2013 due to health reasons. Jerry was a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart where he sang in the choir and served as an usher. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Franklin Lions. Jerry could fix anything. He enjoyed woodworking, putzing in his shop, playing cards, fishing, playing pool, trapshooting and riding motorcycle. Most of all, Jerry loved being with his family.
Jerry is survived by his daughters Geralyn (DeWayne) Lyle of Redwood Falls, Barbara (Ken) Goraczkowski of Fairmont, Jane (Jeff) Distad of Franklin, Kathryn (Richard) Aarons of Plymouth, and Lisa (Jeff) Zamzow of Byron; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Julie (Robert) Moses and Abby, Katie (fiancé Tim) and Parker Giese; Sean Parker and Cole, Tyson (Kelly) Distad, and Kendra, Adrian and Isaac; Corrie (Billy) Hewitt, and Marley and Will; Jacquie Distad; Justa (Josh) Blom; Caleb Goraczkowski; Andy, Erica, and Emily Aarons; and Brooks (fiancé Melissa), Mariah (fiancé Brian), and Connor Zamzow. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mary, second wife Lois, and brother James.