Reverend Helmuth Eisenbraun

of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Creighton, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 23, 2020
in Missouri at the age of 89

Reverend Helmuth Theodore Eisenbraun left this earth to be with his Savior on November 23, 2020. He was born June 5, 1931, to Albert and Ludmilla Eisenbraun of Creighton, South Dakota, the ninth out of ten children. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton. Growing up on the family homestead he attended Creighton Country School through the 8th grade. During WWII he helped his dad farm while his brothers served in the Armed Forces. After the war, during a visit to his brother in Illinois, he met and soon married Marietta Kaste on August 15, 1954. The couple lived in Addison, Illinois for a year where their daughter, Phyllis, was born. Returning to South Dakota, they were blessed with two more daughters, Luella and Susan.

Helmuth farmed with his dad until health concerns required him to find a new career. His pastor at Creighton saw his potential and encouraged him to become a Lutheran pastor. He completed his GED and attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish before entering Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, in the fall of 1966. He began his association with Kansas City, Missouri during his vicarage (mid-course internship) at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Kansas City. Helmuth graduated from the seminary and was ordained at his home church in Creighton on August 9, 1970. His first call was to two eastern Colorado congregations, Immanuel Lutheran in Haxtun and Faith Lutheran in Crook. He was also called to serve parishes in Sweeny, Texas, Wall, South Dakota, and Athens, Illinois. His talent for evangelism led him to start churches in Sherman, Illinois and St. Peters, Missouri. During their time in St. Louis, Helmuth and Marietta divorced.

He then married Carol Hopkins Smith on November 23, 1990, in St. Louis. He accepted his final call in 1995 to the congregation in Nevada, Missouri.

After called service, he culminated more than 50 years of ordained ministry in Kansas City beginning in 1999. Helmuth served several short-term and extended vacancy ministries in Independence and Kansas City. With Carol transitioning to hospice nursing, during the next 20 years they found a special calling to minister to the dying and their families. He volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospice, assisting patients and families during their final journey of life. At the same time, he worked with several funeral homes ministering to the grieving and assisting with the final celebration of life services. He continued to minister to the dying and grieving until he was physically unable.

In addition to ministry, they traveled to see their children and grandchildren and to other parts of the United States. They also relished their trips to Germany and England. One of Helm’s joys in life was the biennial Albert Eisenbraun Family Reunion.

Survivors include his wife Carol; daughters Phyllis (Terry) Hadeen, Luella (Bob) Wiederholtz, and Susan (Todd) Boesdorfer; step-daughter Kristin (Mike) Dunlop; step-son Andrew (Lisa) Smith: grandchildren: Jason (Kristin) Hadeen, Doug (Jessie) Hadeen, Scott (Amy) Hadeen, Michelle (Mike) Phipps, Rachel (Scott) Barbian, Christian (Gina) Boesdorfer, Austin Boesdorfer, and Jack Dunlop; great-grandchildren: Kelsie and Kason Hadeen, Jayson Frank, Colton and Clay Hadeen, Ryan Hadeen, Hunter and Kaiden Phipps, Owen Barbian, and Jane, Gus, and Faye Boesdorfer; sisters-in-law Iva Eisenbraun and Arlene Eisenbraun; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all brothers and sisters.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at the Creighton Cemetery near Creighton. Following the service there will be a gathering for food and fellowship at the Wall Drug Restaurant.

Service Details

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Saturday, June 4, 2022 - 10:00 a.m.
Creighton Cemetery
Creighton, South Dakota

MEMORIAL GATHERING
FOLLOWING SERVICE
Wall Drug Restaurant
Wall, South Dakota