Thomas Martin Eisinger Sr.

July 22, 1954 – December 13, 2025

Thomas Martin Eisinger Sr., lovingly known as Tom, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in his home at Long Lake in Wisconsin, surrounded by his partner and four children, held in love at the place that meant so much to him. He was 71.

Born in Glenview, Illinois, one of five boys in an active family, Tommy excelled in sports. He played football in school and joined in pick-up games in the neighborhood.  Tom attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help grammar school, Loyola Academy high school, and later the University of Colorado Boulder, where he pursued business studies. He was a lifelong learner who believed every opportunity held a lesson. He often reminded those around him, especially his children, that education is the one thing no one can ever take from you—a truth he lived by and gently passed on through his words, his choices, and the way he showed up each day.

What began as a college chapter in Boulder grew into a lifetime rooted in Colorado. Tom raised his family in Golden, a place that nurtured his traditions and memories. He loved being outside and he loved being with his kids. He could often be found guiding bike rides around the neighborhood after dinner, or on a weekend all the way into Golden, and without exception, always brave enough to take a dip in the creek despite the outside temperature. He encouraged a tennis match under the lights, playing catch in the yard, basketball on the driveway, hitting ground balls and pop-flys at the nearby ball field, or making laps around the school yard track—always with his four kids in tow. Sunday evening family dinners were what brought every week to a close—always a bonus if it was nice enough to eat outside on the patio. The lake, where he spent summers as a child, became his sanctuary. In his later years, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of designing and building a year-round, lake front home, continuing a multi-generational family tradition of more than 60 years. Those summers were not just vacations—they were moments of teaching, laughter, and memory-making. A place where he shared his love, his guidance, and his happiness with his parents and siblings, and later his own family, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and so many others. 

Professionally, Tom was a natural entrepreneur. Early in his career, he worked with his brother Bob—his best friend—and close friend Brian, taking adventurous aerial photographs of ski areas in Colorado and beyond. The three partners founded Eisinger Smith in 1980, creating golf tools, leather goods and accessories with care, precision and integrity. Their success in business soon led them to apply their adventurous spirits to marriage and children. Despite sharing every workday together, Tom and Bob always found time to connect outside of business, building and maintaining a rare and deeply meaningful sibling bond. It was unmatched and undoubtedly the most sincere and impactful relationship he had. When the company was sold in 2017, all three men retired together, and Tom finally embraced lake life—the passion he had patiently waited to pursue for decades. 

Tom had a huge heart—one shared honestly, intentionally, and without condition. His words of guidance came only after careful listening and sincere thought. He was never a chatterbox, but when he spoke, his words were not idle. Every one of them carried purpose and meaning, offering clarity and reassurance at just the right moment. His support provided you with confidence that made even the most difficult lessons feel manageable. His love was steadfast and true — a source of comfort and strength that will never be forgotten. 

Tom cherished the rhythm of life with simple and purposeful routines, especially fall Saturdays in Boulder. Game days began early, with the scent of Pine-Sol filling the house as morning chores were completed—because work before play, always—while the CU Marching Band blared through the speakers. The Marching Band also accompanied the drive along Highway 93, where traditions continued with a cold dip in Boulder Creek, biking familiar paths, and walking through campus to Folsom Field. It was a time to share laughter, stories, thoughtful reflection, all while being fully present in every step. Even when the Buffaloes made it really, really hard to stay loyal and faithful, Tom always managed. He loved being outdoors in all seasons; walking in familiar parks, biking quiet neighborhoods, spending time along Clear Creek in Golden, and visiting the rec center to shoot hoops, lift weights, or swim laps. He loved his coffee. He enjoyed a strong, dark cup while sitting outside, letting it start the day and soften its edges, or gently bring it to a close—either before or after an ice cream sundae. The smell of coffee and a banana split will forever be tied to his memory. Each practice and each tradition reflected Tom’s discipline, steadiness, mindful approach to life, and the deep contentment he found in ordinary moments.

Tom was a devout Catholic, attending church weekly and living his faith through consistency, responsibility, and intention. He approached life with accountability and steady self-discipline, steering his children with patience, clarity, and unwavering support. He was the type of father who never let you get away with anything yet always stayed by your side while you figured it out, offering support and profound love without judgment. After his own children, his grandchildren became his greatest happiness. Watching him laugh with them, telling stories, and observing their curiosity and wonder was one of the most beautiful experiences. They filled his days with energy and stories, and in the end, they gave him the strength he needed—reminding him of the importance of simplicity.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen Eisinger. He is survived by his partner, Kathleen Hennessey Marvel; his children and grandchildren, Kathleen Yarberry (Ian, Harper, Emily, and Ava), Kelly (Roy and Holden), Clare, and Thomas “Tommy” Jr. (Chrissy). He is also survived by his siblings, Jack (Roberta), Larry (Nancy), Robert (Theresa), and Greg (Jeanne); his former spouse, Dawn Eisinger, who remained a cherished part of his life; and countless nieces, nephews, and their children—too many to count, but never too many to love. 

Family was everything to Tom. He took honor not only in his children and grandchildren, but also in staying connected with his many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Staying close with his brothers was always a priority and a constant source of grounding. Tom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his quiet brilliance, his genuine words, including his quick wit and humor, his steady presence, his traditions, and the immense, unconditional love he had for those fortunate enough to have his companionship.

Celebration of Life & Donations

A Celebration of Life will be held in July 2026 during the family reunion at Long Lake, a place that meant, arguably, the most to Tom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts Camp at Long Lake, a cause Tom deeply believed in, recognizing the lasting power of nature and its impact—especially during the formative years of a child. 

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