Donald Joseph Eisterhold

Donald Joseph Eisterhold, known to all as Don, was born on April 2, 1945, in Osage, Iowa, to Jacob and Josephine Eisterhold. Raised on the family farm, he began each day with chores before attending school at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He graduated from Adam’s High School and continued his education at Austin Area Vocational Institute in Minnesota, where he participated in FFA, raising cows, and played baseball.

In 1974, Don married Mary on August 10 at St. Gall’s Catholic Church in Tintah, Minnesota. The couple settled in Houston, Texas, where they raised their family. Don began his working life as a barber at a shop on North Freeway before finding his true calling in carpentry. A proud member of Carpenters Union Local 551 for more than fifty years, he contributed his skills to many landmark Houston-area projects, including the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Anadarko Building, Walgreens stores, Katy Mills Mall, and the Budweiser Brewery. His dedication and experience earned him the respected title of Master Carpenter.

Don was known for his strong work ethic and his generous spirit. He enjoyed playing cards, engaging in lively conversation, and watching Houston Astros games. Whether someone was cooking, repairing a car, or building a fence, Don was always ready to lend a hand and share his knowledge. Deeply committed to his faith, he served Assumption Parish Church for over fifty years. He achieved the rank of Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and gave freely of his time, singing in the men’s choir, serving coffee and donuts, working Friday night bingo, and supporting the annual church bazaar and other community events.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Josephine, his sister Karen, and his son-in-law Earl. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his sisters, Diane and Kathy; his children, Leon and Amy, Lisa, Frank and Heather, and Tammy and Ed; his grandchildren, Heaven, Cameron, Destiny, Ethan, DeLanie, Blake, Brandon, MaKaylie, and Joey; his great-grandchildren, Hudson and Lynzee; and many other relatives and friends.