John William Eitenmiller, 81, of Brainerd, formerly of Wisconsin and Arkansas, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

John was born April 8, 1945, in Pekin, Illinois, the son of George and Drusilla (Tomlin) Eitenmiller, growing up on a farm.

After graduating high school at 17, John enlisted in the United States Army and served for three years. His service took him to Turkey inspiring his first career plan: an importer of goods. Life, however, had something different in store.

After returning stateside, John attended Illinois State University on the GI Bill, meeting the love of his life, Anna Marie Kosarek, and spent a semester student teaching. It was there that John discovered his true calling: education.

John and Anna Marie both dedicated their careers to educating others. John later returned to school to get a doctorate in education, allowing him to serve roles as both a principal and superintendent in Wisconsin. Still, teaching remained especially close to his heart. Together with a close friend and colleague, John developed a program designed to prepare teachers for administrative positions through weekend coursework and online projects.

John had a gift for connecting with students and educators, and his influence continued long after they left his classroom. Throughout his life, he continued to receive phone calls and emails from former students thanking him for the difference he had made in their lives. Those messages meant a great deal to him.

As much as John loved being an educator, one of his greatest roles was simply being Dad. He treasured raising his daughter and son, and that joy only grew when he became a grandfather. Fittingly, on the final day of his life, snuggles with his newest grandson were among the highlights of what John himself declared to be a “picture-perfect day.”

John and Anna Marie also shared a love of travel. Rather than collecting things, they saved for experiences and adventures together. Over the years, their travels took them throughout nearly all of Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand, Greece and Croatia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and parts of China. Together, they saw the world and made a lifetime of memories along the way. John loved playing bridge, farming, and fishing.

Eventually, John and Anna Marie “retired” a second time, making their way to Minnesota to be closer to their son and his family.

John was easy-going, sociable, and genuinely enjoyed people. He had a strong faith and a heart for service, never hesitating to step forward when his church or community needed someone to lead or lend a hand. Whether as a soldier, educator, administrator, farmer, husband, father, grandfather, or friend, John believed in showing up for others.

John will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 59 years, Anna Marie; daughter, Sister Magdalene, O.P. (Melissa); son, Joachim “Joe” (Ambrosia) Eitenmiller; grandchildren, Elsie, Norwin, and Oxley; brother, Russell (Denise) Eitenmiller; as well as many extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Drusilla Eitenmiller.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church, where John found a faithful connection.

Please join John’s family as they honor and celebrate his life at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29th, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 10914 Five Mile Road, Brainerd. Friends and family are invited to gather half hour prior to the service. Following the service, everyone is welcome to join the family for lunch at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Fort Ripley.

Interment will take place at St. Mathias Parish Cemetery.