Harry "Ike" Eisenhauer

Harry “Ike” Eisenhauer, 90, of Rantoul, formerly of Danville, passed away at his home with his family by his side at 9:09 PM on January 29, 2025.

Harry was born on September 20, 1934 the son of Harry and Helen (Wolff) Eisenhauer in Cairo, IL. He married B. Jeanne Wilson on October 18, 1958 in Danville, IL and she preceded him in death on June 24, 2008.

Survivors include his two children, Scott (Amy) Eisenhauer of Rantoul, IL and Julie (Rob) Kennedy of Lexington, OH, his grandchildren, Mallory Krum of Columbus, OH, Alexis Julian of Danville, IL and Alyssa Julian of Danville, IL, and one great grandchild, Eisley Hill of Danville, IL. Also surviving are nephews Jim (Judy) Meharry of Danville, IL, and Mike (Jane) Wilson of Perrysville, IN, one niece Judy (Bruce) Gee of Covington, IN, and one grand-niece Jamie (Bryan) Wolfe of Bloomington, IL. Harry is also survived by his “Lady Friend” Dorothy Wonderlin and her children Danae (Heath) Hobick, Terry (Cathy) Wonderlin, and Cheryl (Harlan) Freeman. Harry leaves behind two very cherished friends, his best for over seven decades Fowler Connell, and his caregiver this past year Brooke Pearl. He will also be missed by other family members and a community of friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Harry is preceded in death by grand-niece Jodi Meharry. 

Harry graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1952 where he was a member of the state-finalist Red Devil baseball team earning him and his teammates an induction into the Murphysboro High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. 

Following high school he turned down an opportunity to play professional baseball to attend the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy. He moved to Danville, married the love of his life, and began a 36-year career as a Corrective Therapist at the Illiana Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 

Harry proudly served his country as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard where he was honored to receive the Chicago Tribune’s Best “Non-Com” award. Harry was incredibly community minded in his public service including President of the Danville Jaycees, a leader in the Danville Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus, and served on many committees including the Rabbittown Neighborhood Association, Douglas Discovery Garden, Festival of Trees, and many other volunteer activities. 

Besides his family, Harry’s greatest passion was baseball. Whether it was turning Producer Park Little Leaguers into All-Stars, announcing countless games at Danville Stadium, or armchair managing the St. Louis Cardinals, his love of the game never subsided. He was instrumental in bringing minor league baseball back to Danville in 1970 as Vice-President with the Danville Warriors, and later Danville Dodgers. Other sport interest included being the Stan Musial of the VA Softball Rec League, dodging running backs as a member of the DHS Chain Gang, cheering on his beloved Fighting Illini, spending May weekends at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and hurling nine-irons across the Back Nine and Harrison Park fairways. His greatest joy were Saturday Mornings on WDAN Sportstalk sharing knowledge and opinions, camaraderie, and a few accidental curse words with a gang of guys he loved. After a hard day’s work or play, Harry enjoyed a cold beverage with friends and colleagues, and now upon his passing fear Anheuser-Busch stocks will plummet. 

Harry was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and following retirement offered communion to veterans at the VA. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834. Pastor Michael Stoerger will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Father Ted Pracz will lead a Rosary Service beginning at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2025 with public visitation to follow until 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Those attending the visitation are encouraged to join Harry and the family in wearing the attire of your favorite sports team!!

In lieu of flowers, Harry requested memorials be made in memory of Midnight to the Humane Society of Danville, IL.

Please join Harry’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com