Thomas D. Eisenhauer

Thomas Delano Eisenhauer passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on December 31, 2024, in Melbourne, Florida. His life was a testament to steadfastness, faith, and enduring love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was born on November 9, 1932 in Wallace, Nebraska. Tom was the fifth of seven sons born to Harry and Truly Eisenhauer, and grew up in a family where camaraderie and resilience were woven into the fabric of everyday life. His formative years instilled in him a quiet strength and unwavering sense of purpose. In 1942, the family moved to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, where he graduated from high school in 1950. Like many young men of his era, Tom had a strong sense of duty and loyalty to country and served three years as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War. Later, he became the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Wyoming. 

In 1956, Tom made what he called “the best decision of my life,” and married Mary Ann Prouty, whom he had met in Pine Bluffs. Their union was marked by deep love and mutual respect. Together they raised six children–Kathy, Gail, Nancy, David, Jane, and Paula. As a husband and father, Tom provided his family with stability and love, and set an enduring example of integrity and perseverance that shaped their lives.

Throughout a career spanning three decades, Tom worked as a geophysicist for the Air Force Technical Applications Center in Virginia and Florida. Upon retirement, he and Mary Ann returned to their rural roots in Wheatland, Wyoming. Their home in Wheatland became a gathering place and a sanctuary where children, grandchildren, friends and extended family made lifelong memories surrounded by open spaces and a spectacular view of Laramie Peak. In 2011, Tom and Mary Ann moved to Cheyenne, WY, and in 2022 they relocated to Melbourne, FL.

A man of many passions, Tom found joy in simple pleasures: pitch games with his family, a slice (or two) of homemade pie, working on his cabin and home projects, and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. His insatiable curiosity was fueled by a lifelong love of history and reading. A man of faith, he embraced values of kindness and compassion not by words alone, but by the way he lived his life. 

To those who knew him best, Tom was more than just a husband, father and brother; he was the root of our family tree—a steadfast presence whose love nourished everyone who gathered under its branches. Known for his discipline tempered by a dry sense of humor, he possessed a quiet strength that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.  He participated fully in life, and left memories as broad and lasting as the mountains and plains he loved so well. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary Ann; their six children Kathleen McLaughlin, Norfolk, VA, Gail Eisenhauer, Cheyenne, WY, Nancy Capper (Cary), Miami, FL, David Eisenhauer (Yasmin), Amherst, MA, Jane Burley (David), West Melbourne, FL, and Paula McGowan (Jimmy), Malabar, FL, brothers Howard and Loren; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren,  and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Don, Delbert, Bob, and Lloyd, and his granddaughter, Grace McLaughlin.

A funeral mass will be held on January 24 at 11:00 am at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, FL. A private family gathering to celebrate Tom’s life will be held in Wyoming at a later date. 

Live Stream links for service to start at 10:30 am on January 24, 2025- https://youtube.com/live/GcFWtJX3Rmc

Second link if there are any technical issues 

https://youtube.com/live/ogZ2hkH_cA8

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne or the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

 https://www.cheyenneregional.org/location/cheyenne-regional-foundation/how-your-support-helps/davis-hospice-center/

or 

https://www.mcsf.org/donate/