William "Bill" Franklin Eisiminger
August 9, 1943 - October 19, 2024
Obituary
William “Bill” Franklin Eisiminger, 81, of Seattle, WA, died on Saturday, October 19, 2024. He was born on August 9, 1943, to Thomas Walter Eisiminger and Genevieve Patricia Rose Eisiminger in Seattle, WA.
A High School classmate of Jimi Hendrix, Bill often played with Jimi and several other Garfield classmates. He eventually formed a band called “The Stags” and they were active in the Pacific Northwest throughout the 1960s. Several members of the band went on to professional music careers. Bill also worked in the entertainment field as a music promoter. One of the early bands he promoted was Tower of Power which continued to perform some 56 years after they were founded.
Bill attended Seattle University, where he earned his several degrees, both a BA in 1967 and a Master’s in Education in 1973.
One of the youngest principals in the local Catholic school system, he lived his life helping young people get a good start. He was a physical education teacher in the Catholic school system and eventually earned the title of Principal of Holy Family Parish School in Kirkland, Washington at the age of 30.
Later, Bill founded a successful management company that invested in real estate throughout Seattle. He shared the gifts he earned with the Seattle Catholic Community becoming a philanthropist. His gifts included creating scholarships at Holy Names High School (Girls), O’Dea High School (Boys). Additionally, he funded the new football field at Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, WA.
He grew up across the street from Seattle University in an apartment on Madison Street that was replaced by an iHop. He took great pride in telling everyone that he grew up where the restaurant now sits. Growing up in Seattle in a time where Seattle University Basketball legends Elgin Baylor and the O’Brien twins, Eddie and Johnny played on National Championship level teams made him a lifelong fan of Seattle University basketball. He loved sharing with others that Seattle University Basketball actually beat the Harlem Globetrotters (it’s true!).
As a member of the Board of Regents, Bill was passionate about giving back to Seattle University by supporting student activities such as sports, music, and choir. The University thanked Bill for his philanthropic acts in naming a new athletic facility after him: The William F. Eisiminger Fitness Center.
Bill is survived by his nephews Tom Eisiminger, Jr., Kenny Eisiminger, Bob Eisiminger, and his niece Lynne Eisiminger.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Walter and Genevieve Eisiminger; sister Marilyn Therese Eisiminger; and brother Thomas Ivan Eisiminger.
A funeral service for Bill will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Chapel of St. Ignatius, 901 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. In recognition of Bill’s love for Seattle University Basketball, please feel free to wear Seattle University athletic wear to the service.
Bill will be interred at Holy Rood Catholic Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St, Shoreline, WA 98155, on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
Memorials or donations may be made to Seattle University.
Dear All,
I really enjoyed the time I spent with Bill. This was especially true when I visited him in Assisted Living and we talked a lot about Elgin Baylor, the O’Brien brothers and his beloved Redhawks. Plus he knew my grandson played soccer at Seattle U.
You are truly missed, my friend.
With fond memories,
James Woodcock
PS: Thank you Tom for providing us with a summary of Bill’s various contributions to the betterment of the Puget Sound community.