Mrs. William (Alice A.) Eisner, age 83, of Manitowoc, departed this life to be with the Lord Jesus, on Sunday night, Oct. 18, 2009, at Aurora Medical Center of Manitowoc County.

Alice was born on Aug. 20, 1926, in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Edward G. and Alma (Gauger) Hardrath. She attended Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran School through eighth grade and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1944. Alice worked for Rummele's Jewelers in Manitowoc prior to her marriage. She married William G. Eisner on May 19, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Manitowoc.

Alice was a member of First Lutheran Church and a longtime Sunday school teacher. She was a secretary for her husband's Modern Woodman Insurance Agency. Alice was a member of the Manitowoc Elks Club, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc County Expo, Pinecrest Historical Village and the Rahr-West Museum.

Alice always enjoyed her backyard, especially her extensive flower, vegetable and rock gardens. She also enjoyed bird watching, reading, making Christmas ornaments for her family and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

Her joy for baking and cooking was always an anticipated treat for everyone, especially her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Gakee" and looked forward to her molasses cookies and special potato salad. She dedicated her life to her family and cherished her time with them. Our memories of our wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend will never be forgotten and she will live in our hearts every day.

Survivors include her husband: William Eisner, Manitowoc; two daughters and sons-in-law: Pam (Barry) Blithe, Huntington Beach, Calif.; Lori (Bob) Popple, Manitowoc; one son and daughter-in-law: David (Betsy) Eisner, Mukwonago; five grandchildren: Derek Blithe, Allison Popple, Ryan Popple, Andrew Eisner, and William "Will" Eisner; two sisters and two brothers-in-law: Dorothy (Andy) Boriin, Appleton; Joan (Don) Moder, Appleton. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and two sisters-in-law: Elmer Hardrath and Herbert Hardrath; Gladys Hardrath and Marilyn Hardrath.

A celebration of Alice's life will be officiated by the Rev. Roald Harswick at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at First Lutheran Church, 521 N. 8th St., Manitowoc. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Knollwood Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call on Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.

The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the Eisner family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name.

E-mail condolences may be sent to info@jensreinbold pfeffer.com.

Herald Times Reporter

Oct. 21, 2009