William D. Eisele

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. - William D. Eisele of Amelia Island, Florida, passed away Dec. 30, 2023, at the Lakeside at Amelia Island.

Bill was born July 31, 1927, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to parents Dr. David and Muriel Eisele. He was a graduate of the Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan, and of the University of Michigan. He attended law school at Southern Methodist University. He married Helen Holmberg of Ironwood, Michigan, on Dec. 27, 1953.

Bill was the owner of William D. Eisele & Co. Insurers, in Clearwater, for 30 years. He served as president of the Clearwater Independent Insurers Assoc. and was an enthusiastic member of Rotary since 1965 serving in Clearwater, Bar Harbor and Fernandina Beach.

Bill served as president of the University of Michigan Club of Upper Pinellas County. He was a director and vice president of the alumni association of the University of Michigan and received the University's Distinguished Alumni Service award. Alums are proud of the fact that Bill helped establish The University of Michigan Club of The Moon to recognize the all-UM Apollo 15 mission crew.

He was a commissioner for the Town of Belleair Shore and an elder in the Presbyterian church.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, of 67 years.

He is survived by son, David W. Eisele (Janice) of Cockeysville, Maryland; and daughter, Meg Eisele Lilja (George) of Warren, Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren, Leigh Eisele of Mercer Island, Washington, Lauren Eisele of Dallas, Texas, Mariel Eisele of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Danielle Lilja Warren (Dan) of Woodstock, Georgia, David Lilja of Charleston, South Carolina, Bethany Lilja of Chicago, and Duke Lilja Charleston, South Carolina; and one great-grandchild: Eloise Warren of Woodstock, Georgia.

Bill leaves a legacy of integrity, hard work and an infectious smile. He was incredibly proud of his children and encouraged them to realize their dreams. He could've written a guide on how to get every morsel out of a lobster. Bill was as happy in the woods of Maine as he was on the beach in Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that his memory be honored by making memorial donations to The Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach, P. O. Box 16046, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Arrangements are being handled by Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery.