Obituary

Remembering Hugh Eisen

Hugh Bernard Eisen, age 84, of Hudsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 2, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Zeke Johnson; siblings, Lubert Eisen, Craig Eisen, Sherry Lewis; brothers-in-law, Jerry Randall, and Charles Gust.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 65 years, Virginia Eisen; children, Scott and Dawn Eisen, Bruce and Lori Eisen; five grandchildren, Spenser and Natalie Eisen, Allison and Derrek Saxton, Bailey and Derek Johnson, Parker and Emily Eisen, Gracey Mussina; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Sandy and Richard Farnsely; sisters-in-law, Ruth Eisen, Evalyn Gust, Joan Jackson, Bonnie Randall; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, 150 50th St. SW, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Zachary Marklevitz officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, October 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Wings of Mercy. 

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Tuesday, October 6 · 10:00am - 11:00am

Location

Grace Lutheran Church

150 50th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49548

View Map / Get Directions

Funeral Service

Tuesday, October 6 · 11:00am

Location

Grace Lutheran Church

150 50th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49548

View Map / Get Directions

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute

October 05, 2026 6:31pm

Hugh was our aviation elder statesman around the airport…always willing to share his experience, insights and time. It was our privilege to have had him with us…

— Curt Pullen

October 05, 2026 12:54pm

One of the most respected aviation gentlemen I have ever had the privilege of knowing and calling a friend. While I knew Hugh primarily through our mutual love of flying, his encouragement and counsel years ago were a significant influence in my decision to become a fellow flight instructor. I will always be grateful for that. Rest in peace, Hugh. You will be missed.

— Randy Passeno

October 05, 2026 10:24am

I had the absolute privilege of serving you, Virginia and Hugh, as your pastor for ten years. Marcia and I are praying for God to fill your heart with His comfort, peace and certain hope as you mourn and fill your ears with His promises that Hugh is home for eternity. Thanks be to God that because Jesus lives, Hugh lives and we will see Hugh again. I was blessed by Hugh as an elder and as one who always made himself available to serve his Lord and our congregation. He will be missed as a friend in Christ and a fellow child of God. Virginia, may God direct your footsteps moving ahead with His providence and everlasting love.

— Reverend John Diener

October 03, 2026 4:12pm

We knew Hugh for over 40 years. He was active in EAA Chapter 145, serving as president, flight advisor, and board member. Chris took flight lessons from him and both of us flew with him for biannual reviews. As an instructor he was patient and kind and we learned much from him. We were so sorry to hear of his passing.

— Dick and Chris Foster

October 03, 2026 3:09pm

Dear Virginia. So sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. Everyone in aviation here loved his teaching, knowledge and friendship. Always a smile! RIP Hugh.🙏

— Art Birdsley

October 03, 2026 2:03pm

Dearest Virginia I remember riding bikes with Hugh and Louie way back when we were kids. I remember you too,what a wonderful person you are and you had a great marriage. I remember seeing you guys at the school reunions. My Love to you. Willie Topp

— Walter Topp

October 03, 2026 12:39pm

I had the pleasure of knowing Hugh for over 20 years. All of it involved the small community of aviation in West Michigan. A consummate professional , he conducted both my instrument and commercial check rides. I left each ride having learned something from him and feeling empowered to continue growing and learning. He was really great at this work- while maintaining high standards, he was thoughtful, and kind to a tender young pilot. Put me at ease. Thank you, Hugh. I stand on your shoulders in my airline pilot career.

— Ebiri Nkugba

October 03, 2026 11:06am

I’ve only had the pleasure of knowing Hugh for approximately 10 years. During that time, I’ve witnessed him being a gentleman on all occasions. He always had a smile and exhibited respect toward everyone around him. I’ve had the pleasure and honor to learn from and fly with him. Hugh was always positive regarding his flying students. He never criticized, or discussed, anyone’s shortcomings. His knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) will be sorely missed. Saying goodbye to a great man like Hugh is hard. I’m sure his place in Heaven had a reservation.

— Larry A. Baine

October 02, 2026 10:43pm

Dear Virginia and family, We are so sorry to hear about Hugh’s passing.We have been so blessed to have Hugh as a very Special friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May you find peace knowing he is resting in Gods loving arms. Sending Love and hugs. John and Kathy Rose

— John and Kathy Rose

October 02, 2026 9:26pm

So sorry for your loss Virginia. Hugh was one of the good guys, you were blessed with a long marriage. Much love and prayers to you and your family. Pam and Jerry Hammond

— Pamela Hammond

October 02, 2026 9:22pm

A true gentlemam who believed in paying it forward. Hugh always made himself available to whomever needed help. His love for aviation and inspiring others to do the same was contagious.

— Gary Kremers

October 02, 2026 9:18pm

Thank you Hugh for teaching me the fine art and science of flight. It was a pleasure to be a student and a 2 time check ride recipient from you.

— Kevin Jarchow

October 02, 2026 9:10pm

Fellow pilot and friend over the years. GODspeed Hugh.

— Rod McNeil

October 02, 2026 8:29pm

Thank you Hugh, you touched so many and helped with inspiring many aviation enthusiasts. You always had a smile, loved life and family. Miss you buddy

— Herb Harney

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