February
15,
1947
15,
1947
June
04,
2024
04,
2024
Daniel (Dan) was born in Eugene, Oregon, in February 1947, and was the second oldest of four children born to Richard and Joan Eismann. After graduating from Vallivue High School in 1965, Dan began his undergraduate studies at the University of Idaho in Moscow. After two years of study, he voluntarily enlisted in the Army where he served as a crew chief and door gunner on a Huey helicopter gunship in Vietnam. Volunteering for military service, during a time when so many sought to avoid the draft, was one of many ways in which Dan’s selflessness was made apparent. After two tours in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged from the Army and decorated with two Purple Hearts, three medals for acts of heroism, and various other medals.
Following Dan’s service to his country, he returned to the University of Idaho to attend law school and carry on the family legacy of practicing law. Dan graduated cum laude in 1976 and began his career in Homedale, Idaho. During this time, he married Sheila Wood in November, 1982, and they began their life together. Dan and Sheila had a son together, Matthew (Matt), to join Sheila’s daughters Catherine (Cathie) and Christine (Christi), along with Dan’s daughter, Jasmin. Dan went on to have a distinguished career serving the Idaho judicial system as a magistrate judge in Owyhee County, district judge in Ada County, and ultimately as chief justice of the Idaho Supreme Court.
Dan established himself as one of the preeminent legal minds in the state throughout his tenure of public service, and was regularly called upon for advice in navigating legal issues. He was responsible for helping to create Children’s Voices Inc., the Ada County Drug Court, and driving progress which made the judicial system more effective in its service to Idahoans. Dan was especially motivated by his compassion for the marginalized and disadvantaged, particularly children and those suffering from addiction. These accomplishments will outlive Dan and continue to aid in the betterment of the lives of countless individuals for years to come.
Those who knew and loved Dan will remember him for his kindness, good humor, and faith. As a dedicated Christian, Dan was passionate about the study of scripture and found enjoyment in discussing and writing about various elements of faith. Throughout his life and into his retirement, he was an avid writer, a passion he enjoyed with his wife, Sheila. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring his artistic side, specifically stained glass. Dan was also an exemplary chef, and would happily tell you stories about his souffles, biscuits and gravy, and dark chocolate tortes.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Richard (2021) and Joan (1953) Eismann, his sister Susan Eismann (1998), and his wife, Sheila (2023). He is survived by his siblings Joan Eismann, Katherine Eismann (Brent Williams), Randy Martinat (Wanda), Karen Urbano (Gilbert), Debra Murphy (David), as well as his son Matthew Eismann, his daughter Jasmin Moneymaker, and his stepdaughters Catherine Richardson (Mike) and grandchildren Aaron and Hannah and Christine Putz (Scott) and grandchildren Alexandria and Thomas Jeffrey.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am at Calvary Chapel Boise on Friday, June 21, 2024. A public viewing will follow from 4:00-7:00 pm at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel in Boise. A graveside ceremony for family and close friends will follow at a later date.
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