Patricia J. Eisler (nee Johnson), age 75, was peacefully called home by our Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Patsy was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and adopted by Norris and Irene Johnson, who raised her in South Haven, Michigan. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education. She subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in reading disabilities from Southern Connecticut State College and an Education Specialist degree from Troy State University in Alabama. At the University of Michigan, she met and married David L. Eisler. They lived in Troy, Alabama, Portales, New Mexico, and Ogden, Utah before moving to Big Rapids, where they lived for 23 years.

Patsy was the beloved wife of David L. Eisler for 53 years and the devoted mother of Dr. Heather L. Eisler and her husband Nathaniel, and Dr. Lindsay S. Eisler. She was the loving grandmother of David and Jacob Eisler-Campbell. Welcoming Patsy into Heaven are her parents, Norris and Irene Johnson, and her son, Kevin.

Patsy was a lifelong educator, teaching sixth-grade and middle school students in the Pike County, Alabama, Portales, New Mexico, and the Ogden, Utah Schools. She was known for capturing the attention of students in science and encouraging them to succeed in regional and statewide science fairs. Known as the "Creature Teacher," she kept all manner of animals, birds, fish, and insects in her classroom, using these to teach students about caring, responsibility, and life.

As an educator, Patsy received numerous awards and recognitions. In Alabama, she was recognized for her success in securing grant support for student projects. In New Mexico, her project, "Science by Satellite – Creating Excitement in the Elementary Classroom," was selected by the Intel Corporation as its Intel Innovations in Teaching Award winner. This $65,000 award provided computers and networking for Lindsey Middle School, along with replicating her program in other classrooms there.

As a part of the New Mexico World Class Teachers Project, Patsy earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards as an early-adolescent generalist and was selected for Who's Who Among America's Teachers. In moving to Utah, she became the only nationally board-certified teacher in the state. Patsy was selected as a torchbearer for the 2002 Paralympic Games, which followed the Winter Olympics in Utah. For this, students from the sixth-grade classes at Mount Ogden Middle School proudly accompanied her through the streets of Salt Lake City.

In Big Rapids, Patsy was the first lady of Ferris State University for 19 years, serving the longest after founder Woodbridge Ferris' spouse, Helen Gillespie Ferris. At Ferris State University, Patsy attended thousands of events supporting the University, its first comprehensive campaign, "Now and Always," its sporting competitions, and students. Patsy created the First Lady's Attic, which provides "experienced" professional clothing without charge to Ferris State University students so they can look their best for internships, presentations, and job interviews. In her final year at Ferris, Patsy served as grand marshal of the University's Homecoming.

Patsy was a lifelong supporter of the Girl Scouts, leading Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadet troops. She served as a board member for the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore Council and was awarded lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of America. Patsy's desire to help others led her to join the Mecosta County Community Foundation, where she served on the Youth Advisory Committee and the Grant Activity Committee.

An active volunteer, Patsy worked with Hospice for many years, providing companionship, caregiver relief, and 11th-hour vigil support. In the public schools, she provided tutoring and special assistance to elementary students in Big Rapids. A lifelong Methodist, Patsy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids and served on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.

As a foster child and adopted child, Patsy understood the critical importance of education for students who age out of the foster youth system. At Ferris, she established and endowed the Ferris Youth Initiative Johnson Scholars, which supports young people who are alumni of foster care. In this, she memorialized her adoptive parents, Norris and Irene Johnson.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, 13985 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, Michigan, and to her funeral service, 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 304 Elm Street, Big Rapids, Michigan. A luncheon will be served at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Johnson Scholar Endowment at Ferris State University through the Ferris Foundation or to Corewell Health Hospice through the Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan.