By Jim Meridith
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4 Comments
    • Service

      Private services are being held.

    • Full Obituary

      Richard T. “Rick” Eisel, 67, of Summerfield, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home.

      He was born on May 11, 1957, in East St. Louis, IL, to Everett “Bud” and Mary (nee Hammond) Eisel.

      Rick has lived in Summerfield his entire life and graduated from Lebanon High School. He did custodial work throughout his career and later worked for McKendree University. Rick’s favorite holidays were Halloween and the 4th of July. He was very patriotic and loved his country. Rick was a music man, liking to record music, transfer it, and sitting by a bonfire listening to it, especially Rock N’ Roll as he was a big Ozzy Osbourne fan. He also enjoyed picnics and holidays with his family. Rick had many pets throughout his life, but his favorite was his late cat, Sheba. An intelligent, nonjudgmental, and kind man, Rick will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Mary Eisel and his niece, Ashley Eisel.

      Rick is survived by his brother, John Eisel, St. Genevieve, MO; nieces, Trisha (Jason) Schroeder, Danielle Eisel, Roxie (April Johnson) Bridger, and Kristina (Sam) Bradfield; nephews, Les (Alexandra) Eisel and Paul (Tabitha) Stell; former sister-in-law, Charlene Arcynski; and multiple great nieces and great nephews.

      Memorial donations may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society.

      Private services are being held.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    4 Condolences
     
    1. Marlene Kolbe. (Aka Mrs Alden) / April 11, 2025 at 12:55 pm

      Such a nice student to have as a teacher in Lebanon …. Kind and gentle and very astute in many ways. We remained in contact over the years and he always had a tidbit of wisdom that made me smile. I will miss Rick …. Rest in peace Rick

    2. Bill Manion / April 11, 2025 at 3:24 pm

      To the Eisel family:

      I was fortunate to meet Rick, whil I was a student at McKendree, in the late 1970’s.

      Rick was kind, considerate, and he had a very pleasant personality! Sometimes, after his work day ended, I’d invite him up to my dorm room, and we’d drink a couple of beers while discussing music. I thought I knew a lot about music, but that was before I met Mr. Eisel.

      Sometimes we went to Stonehenge together.

      The last time I saw Rick, he was at the Coliseum in Benld.

      I hope life was kind to this kind, gentle soul…

      Rock On, Brother!

      Bill Manion

    3. Margaret Bergmark / April 11, 2025 at 3:26 pm

      He came to my mind last week, and I wondered where he was and what he was doing. I did not want an answer this way!

    4. Bill Manion / April 12, 2025 at 3:00 pm

      To the Eisel family:

      I got to know Rick while I was a student at McKendree in the late 1970’s.

      Rick was a kind, selfless, and hardworking man who had an excellent personality! I always thought that I knew a lot about music, but that was before I met Mr. Eisel. Sometimes, after Rick’s workday was finished, we’d sit down and drink a few beers, while listening to music (KSHE 95) and talk about our favorite music.groups.

      Rick and I even hung out together a couple of times at Stonehenge.

      It was a great pleasure knowing Rick, and I’d like to say that he made this world a better place.

      Rock On, Brother!.

      Bill Manion

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