Robert Henry Eiserman

February 1, 1952 – June 15, 2026

Robert Henry Eiserman, beloved partner, husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2026, at 74 years young.

Born on February 1, 1952, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Robert lived a remarkable life marked by love, adventure, service, recovery, spirituality, and deep connections with family and friends.

Robert is survived by his devoted life partner of 51 years, Jeanne, whom he met in 1972 and with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship; their daughters, Alycia Chambers (Nick) of Salida, Colorado, and Lori Anahata (Shannon) of Richmond, California; his cherished grandchildren, Avery and Isabella Chambers, and Siersha and Jacob Anahata; his sisters, Mary Logan (John) of Mount Vernon, Iowa, and Ann Waller of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Irene Eiserman; his siblings, Celeste Kreifels, Skip Eiserman, and Ron Eiserman; his nephew, Tom Eiserman; and his second wife, Deb Chaplin.

A Life of Adventure and Connection

Robert grew up in Nebraska City, Nebraska, alongside his five brothers and sisters. From an early age, he embraced life with enthusiasm, talent, and a spirit of adventure. In high school, he was a gifted athlete, earning recognition as both a star basketball player and the quarterback of his high school football team. He balanced his athletic accomplishments with a love of music and theater, and one of his favorite claims to fame was starring as Curly in his high school's production of Oklahoma!

After graduating, Robert left Nebraska City for the "big city" of Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. There, he formed lifelong friendships with his Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers, many of whom remained among his closest friends throughout his life. Decades later, even up to his final days, those friendships continued to be a source of great joy and connection. One of Robert's final wishes was to return to Nebraska in 2025 for his 50th college reunion, where he reconnected with classmates, fraternity brothers, and dear friends, reminiscing about the experiences and bonds that had shaped his early years.

It was also at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln that Robert met Jeanne, beginning a love story that would span more than five decades. They married in Omaha in 1975 after spending a memorable summer together in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

In 1978, Robert and Jeanne welcomed their first daughter, Alycia Jeanne, while living in Kremmling, Colorado, where Robert worked as a second-grade teacher. Three years later, their second daughter, Lori Anne, was born after the family relocated to Bellevue, Nebraska.

Career and Calling

During this time, Robert transitioned from education into program development and nonprofit leadership. He served in philanthropic roles at several Nebraska universities, including Bellevue University and later Creighton University, where he managed the university's foundation.

Robert often joked that he had climbed the corporate ladder, looked around, and decided to climb back down. Guided more by purpose than title, he spent the second half of his career pursuing work that aligned with his values, interests, sense of adventure, and love of the outdoors. His many roles included Director of Development at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Executive Director of the Addiction Treatment Center in Longmont, ski area manager at Terry Peak, campground host for the Oregon State Parks, and, finally, a position with Metro Cruise Services at the Port of San Francisco.

Recovery, Spirit, and the Red Road

Robert was known by many names throughout his life, including Bobby, Bob, and EZ. During his journey of recovery, he chose to go by his birth name, Robert, as a symbol of a new chapter and his commitment to walking the "Red Road." Through Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Co-Dependents Anonymous, he embraced the principles of the Twelve Steps and dedicated himself to helping others do the same. He led meetings, built deep and lasting friendships with fellow travelers on the path, and served as a mentor to many, offering guidance, encouragement, and hope to those seeking sobriety and healing.

His recovery journey also deepened his spiritual path. Raised in the Catholic tradition, Robert deepened his spiritual path by forging a profound connection to Native American spirituality. He believed deeply in the power of the Great Spirit and found community, friendship, love, and wisdom among Native American friends and mentors across South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon. It was during this chapter of his life that Robert found love again and married his second wife, Deb Chaplin, in a ceremony on Bear Butte.

Coming Home

After spending several years in Wyoming and Oregon, and grieving the loss of Deb, Robert returned to Colorado to be closer to Jeanne, Alycia, and his grandchildren, Avery and Isabella.

Then, in 2019, he fulfilled a lifelong dream to "go west" and live near the mountains when he moved to California to build close relationships with his youngest grandchildren, Siersha and Jacob. During the pandemic, he and Jeanne rekindled their relationship, finding deep companionship through some of life's most difficult and transformative years.

In 2023, they renewed their vows during a trip to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, another lifelong dream fulfilled.

The Final Chapter

In 2024, Robert was diagnosed with late-stage COPD, a disease that gradually slowed his body but never diminished his spirit.

Over the last two years of his life, he continued to savor the beauty of Northern California. He enjoyed walks and outings with Jeanne to local parks and beaches, taught Tai Chi classes for seniors, learned new and cherished songs to strum on his guitar, and treasured time spent with family and grandchildren. He loved watching movies—especially Westerns and documentaries—sharing old cartoons with the kids, listening to music through his headphones, eating popsicles and ice cream, and sneaking his favorite treat at any time of day: a mini Milky Way.

Even in his final days, when each breath had become a precious gift, Robert remained hopeful and optimistic about life and his treatment. He continued to tell stories, crack jokes, and keep those around him smiling. He reminded his loved ones that "more will be revealed" and encouraged them always to "trust the Great Spirit."

His final message on a family text thread reflected on the growth and wisdom of his oldest grandson, saying “may you continue your wonderful life - I love you and I am so proud of you” - words that will remain in our hearts forever.

Remembered

Those who knew Robert will remember his big heart, his warm sense of humor, sweet spirit, and deep spirituality.

He was a kind-hearted gentle warrior who met life's challenges and his own struggles with courage and left a lasting imprint on countless lives.

Robert often said, "My heart soars like a hawk" when expressing pride, joy, or gratitude. It brings great comfort to those who loved him to imagine his spirit now soaring freely like a hawk, carried by the winds and watched over by the Great Spirit he trusted so deeply.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he loved, and the many people he helped along the way.