Died 2/5/2014
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Robert John (RJ) Eisele, 75, passed away Feb. 5, 2014. He was born April
23,1938, in Madison, Wis., to Don and Agnes Eisele. He was the third
child of seven siblings. His family moved to Lewiston in 1943. RJ attended grade
school at St. Stanislaus Catholic School and Webster Elementary. A cute,
smart girl in class named Lovetta caught his eye, and years later she
would become his wife. They both graduated from Lewiston High School in
1957. RJ and Lovetta Rae Drevlow were married later that year on Sept.
21, 1957. They soon started their family, and over the next few years
had four daughters; Margaret (Peggy), Lori, Karlene and Pam. RJ began his career as a union electrician as an apprentice at John's Electric in 1957. He spent 10 years working on the construction of Dworshak Dam in Orofino, commuting back and forth each day during those years. He worked on many other projects throughout the years in Lewiston, Pullman and even North Dakota. He was a proud lifelong member of IBEW Union Local 73. He retired in 2000. RJ was an avid sports fan. He faithfully attended the LCSC NAIA baseball tournament each year. He was a loyal WSU Cougar Football season ticket holder and even traveled to California to watch them play in the 1998 Rose Bowl. RJ was a regular on the local auction circuit and could be counted on to always find something interesting to purchase for himself or some lucky recipient. RJ was a devoted family man and most comfortable when surrounded by his family. Many good times were spent together during annual family vacations that included his daughters and their families. He finally received some male companionship with the arrival of his eight grandsons, in addition to his three beautiful granddaughters. RJ had a unique relationship with each of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events and other activities. RJ and Lovetta created an open and inviting home where everyone always felt welcome. They hosted many family events and holiday parties for family and friends. His grandchildren and their friends were also frequent visitors, and he always enjoyed their company. RJ had a quick wit and always enjoyed a good debate, which usually included some trademark RJ saying that would go on to become common lingo for the family. He liked to portray a tough exterior, but once you got to know him, you discovered he had a passion for wanting to help people and generously shared his time and money with those in need. He was a lifelong member of St. Stanislaus Church and a generous supporter of St. Stanislaus School. RJ always had a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous grin. He truly enjoyed life. He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Agnes Eisele and sisters Mary Ellen Ellenwood and Suzanne Foster. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lovetta Eisele; four daughters and their spouses, Peggy and Dwight Hagihara of Pullman, Lori and Mark Williams, Karlene and Rich Young, both of Lewiston and Pam Eisele and Tim Flippin of Tacoma; and grandchildren, Phil, Scott and Allison Hagihara, Bo, Amy and Lane Williams, Tyler, Kayla and John Young, and Aaron and Nick Jones. He is also survived by brothers Jim Eisele of Spokane; Bud (Marge) Eisele, Pat (Marcy) Eisele and Rick (Rita) Eisele; all of Lewiston. And was affectionately known as Uncle R to many nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at St. Stanislaus Church, 633 Fifth Ave. in Lewiston. The rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. and Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Contributions can be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic School.
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