Obituary: Paula Eisenbraun

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In memory of

Paula Eisenbraun

of Custer, formerly of Creighton, South Dakota, died on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Monument Health Hospital in Custer at the age of 78

Paula Marie Eisenbraun was born April 9, 1942, in the New Underwood Hospital to Edmond and Goldie (Kraft) Eisenbraun of Creighton, South Dakota. She was baptized May 3, 1942, by her grandfather, Reverend A.W. Kraft at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton, and on May 29, 1955, she was confirmed by Reverend T.C. Predoehl in the same country church. Paula was frail as a child and was affectionately called “Putsy” by her large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her childhood years were filled with kittens, paper dolls, singing with cousins, playing with neighborhood kids, and defeating her older sister at Scrabble. Paula was also kept busy keeping her little brother out of trouble, not realizing this experience would help her as a future educator.

Paula graduated from the rural one-room North Creighton School in 1956, Wall High School in 1960, and Black Hills Teachers’ College in 1974. She then began her long teaching career in the rural schools of Meade, Haakon, and Pennington counties, where she made many friendships with parents and students that lasted a lifetime. Paula also worked at Wall Livestock Auction and Wall Drug Store. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton and at Elm Springs. She filled in as an organist for her home church and appreciated the congregation’s support as she was not trained to play the organ. When her Uncle Oscar told her, “I pray for you every Sunday”, that gave her the courage to continue. Paula belonged to the Jolly Girls 4-H Club, the Creighton Bees Extension Club, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and its Walther League, Laity League, and choirs.

Paula never married, but she had nine lively nieces and nephews to cater to. She was a favored babysitter as she treated the children to many special outings and supplied plenty of presents and goodies for birthdays and holidays even into their adulthood. Paula welcomed country high school students to room and board at her home in Wall, South Dakota, and she enjoyed cooking festive meals for guests, young and old.

Paula’s life was filled with many health challenges throughout the years, but her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ never wavered. She is survived by her sister, Karel Reiman, of Midland; brother Ed Eisenbraun of Rapid City; nine nieces and nephews: Darcey Eisenbraun, Anne (Maynard) Moege, Brian (Lisa) Eisenbraun, Steven (Ann) Reiman, Connie Gibney, Kathy (Darron) Nelson, Clay (Missy) Eisenbraun, Mark Reiman, Tawney Eisenbraun, and a number of great and great-great-nieces and nephews. She loved her family and friends very much and was thankful for their cards, letters, gifts, and kind deeds shown to her over the years.

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved parents Edmond and Goldie Eisenbraun; brother-in-law Lloyd Reiman; and sister-in-law Linda Eisenbraun.

Due to covid-19, Pastor Christopher McCarthy will hold a private family service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton with burial to follow at the church’s cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated for Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Main Street Living. Cards and memorials may be sent to 23710 Stamford Rd. Midland, SD 57552.

Due to covid-19, Pastor Christopher McCarthy will hold a private family service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton with burial to follow at the church’s cemetery.

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My path crossed with Paula's when I was a teacher of the Linn School near Elm Springs. I remember her dedication and her excellence as an educator. Not only did her students learn from her, but so did I. She was also so pleasant and genuine. Over the years she touched many lives and her earthly presence will be missed. ~ Sam Cordes (11/12/2020)
My sympathy and prayers to the family of Paula Eisenbraun. Paula's sister Karel and I have been good friends for many years. My late mom, Olga Meyers, always enjoyed those times of being in the Wall Drug book store when Paula worked there. She was always so kind to my mom. I remember the last time I took mom to that book store. It was a beautiful day. So, I called mom, her sisters, Emma Root and Till Mulcahy to see if they would like to go for a ride to Wall with my son Christopher and I? And, they said, "Yes." So, off we went. Emma and Till looked after Christopher, who was four or five. While I wheeled Mom to the book store in her wheel-chair. I was so happy to see Paula was working that day. Her kindness to my mom, continues to hold a soft spot in my heart. Maybe God has a bookstore for you in Heaven. ~ Sonia Nemec Edgewood Vista in Spearfish, SD (11/11/2020)
Our condolences to all of Paula's family. Paula was our daughters' first teacher at Big Foote Country School. She was kind and loving and oh, the Christmas programs she produced! They were great. ~ Rick and Nancy Horton Wall (11/10/2020)
My heart is breaking knowing that such a lovely lady won't be with us until we meet again at home with the Lord. She was and always will be one of my favorite teacher and lifetime friend. God bless and keep you in HIS loving arms. Thank-you for being such a loving person. Happy Trails until we meet again!!! ~ Kay Johnston Hermosa, SD (11/10/2020)
Paula, was my godparent, and I truly loved her kindheart and eautiful smile. Paula will be sadly missed, by me. Whenever Paula would come to Elm Springs in the summer time to teach Vacation Bile School, it made me so happy. Rest in Peace Paula. Love, Jill ~ Jill (Moore) Zenisek Douglas, Wyoming (11/8/2020)
So sorry about Paula:I know she will be missed by many. I taught at the North Creighton School when Paula was in 7th and 8th grade. She was a good student and such a pleasant person. I really enjoyed her. When our paths crossed again later in life she was still that same sweet person and we were good friends. I look forward to seeing her "up yonder."
~ Marjorie Pascoe Tennyson Rapid City, SD (11/8/2020)
Family of Paula Eisenbraun, you all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD. (11/8/2020)
Paula was my First grade teacher, the best teacher ever. Friends over the years. She will be missed. Friends Shirley ~ Shirley Trask Creighton SD (11/7/2020)
Ed, Karel & all of Paula's family, I am saddened to learn of Paula's passing for those who will miss her earthly presence. I rejoice that God has welcomed her Home & she has been reunited with beloved family & friends. I had visited with Paula shortly before COVID closed her off to face-to-face visits & had just recently learned that "window" visits were now permitted so was hoping to get on her schedule for a visit. Praise God for gifting so many with her gentle spirit, radiant smile, teaching skills & faithful service to her Lord, Church & community of family & friends. Marci ~ Marcia Eisenbraun Custer SD (11/7/2020)