Robert Eiszner

Robert Alan Eiszner (known since childhood as "Buzz") died January 9, 2018, after a long illness. Robert was born July 16, 1956 in South Bend, Indiana. At age 5 his father taught him to play chess, and after a few weeks when it was suggested he quit letting the boy win, dad replied, "Letting him win? Who's letting him?" On entering high school, Robert's outstanding gift for mathematics was identified, and he won a statewide competition and began taking college-level courses. Robert graduated from MSU with a BS in Mathematics and pursued a lifelong fascination with games, statistics, and probabilities. He loved to surprise others by completing a Rubik's Cube puzzle in under three minutes, and he was known for handicapping himself 100 points in a game of Scrabble and still win easily. Robert was employed by National Water Lift (Parker Hannifin) where he contributed to development of the Harrier II Jump Jet. Later, Robert worked as lead field technician for Playtime Billiards of Portage. He was an avid fisherman, competed in regional billiards tourneys, and was a brilliant gamesman with a soft touch for family and his beloved cats. Robert was preceded in death by his father, William Eiszner. His mother, Margaret Eiszner, survives as do siblings John (Cheryl) Eiszner, and Lorraine (Bruce) Alden, nieces Julia Eiszner and Sara Eiszner, and nephew Eric Alden. Cremation has taken place. Interment and a celebration in memory of Robert will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well-wishers adopt a rescue pet or make a donation in Robert's name to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.