Joel D. Eisenberg, M.D.

Okemos

Joel D. Eisenberg, M.D., clinical and interventional cardiologist passed from this life on November 30, 2016, over a year following his diagnosis with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. He was born in Hannibal, MO, on October 14, 1952, to Paul and Marcia Eisenberg. After graduating from Ste. Genevieve High School as Valedictorian, he attended the University of Missouri receiving a B.A. in Biology in 1975. There he met the love of his life, Gail, and they married on June 6, 1976. He attended St. Louis University School of Medicine from 1975-79 where he graduated cum laude. He continued his postgraduate training there in Internal Medicine and in his 3rd year was a Chief Resident. He then continued his training in cardiology at the prestigious Washington University completing a 3-year fellowship in 1985.

He first practiced in LaPorte and South Bend, Indiana, from 1985-89 and then continued his career in Lansing. Here he was the first cardiologist in Lansing, in 1994, to place an emergency bail-out stent at Ingham Medical Center (McLaren) and in 1995 was the first to perform angioplasty and elective stent placement at Sparrow Hospital. There he successfully challenged the status quo as chair of the M.I. practice Team, making emergency angioplasty the treatment of choice for heart attack victims. He truly knew he was blessed with the trust of his many patients.

His loving wife, Gail, of over 40 years, whose support made his life a joy, survives him. His children, his pride and joy are: Paul Eisenberg, M.D. (Marina), Anesthesia/Critical Care, Elisha Agami (Ilan), schoolteacher, and Michael Eisenberg, aeronautical engineer. Also surviving are his dear mother, Marcia Eisenberg, loving sister Diana Hurst, and brother Stanley. His most recent blessing and love were for his grandchildren Daniel Agami and Josephine Eisenberg.

Many colleagues and staff contributed to his successful and enjoyable career and are too many to mention. His colleague, Dr. Ronald Pacis, was especially supportive.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing, with Rabbi Amy B. Bigman of Congregation Shaarey Zedek officiating. Gifts of charity in his honor should be made to the Sparrow Hospital Cancer Center or the charity of your choice.

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6 Messages to “Joel D. Eisenberg, M.D.

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Valerie Thelen
December 1, 2016 at 6:01 pm

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Eisenberg. He was my doctor 5 years ago when I had both of my M.I.s. He literally saved my life twice as he did for many others. I will always remember the care he provided and the kindness he showed my husband, small children and me. After my 2nd MI, he recommended that I go to U of M for further care. Before I was transported, I remember him kissing me on the forehead and telling me I reminded him of his daughter. That was a great compliment because I knew how much he adored his family. He followed up with me all through my journey. He really was an amazing doctor and an even better man. I will pray for him and for all of you. May God and the angels welcome him into paradise.

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Bernadette de La Fe'
December 1, 2016 at 7:36 pm

My deepest sympathy to the entire Eisenberg family. I was his patient for more than 10 years. I was in my forties with 5 children when i started having a cardiac problem. Other doctors prescribed valium for “stress” and sent me on my way. Dr. Eisenberg took the time to listen to me and had me wear an event monitor. He was able to diagnose me with SVT, gave me the right medication and continued to take excellent care of me. He was a very kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor.
He always spoke so highly of his family.
May God bless all of you and keep you in his loving care.

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Bob Taylor
December 2, 2016 at 2:09 am

Dear Mrs. Eisenberg and family,

I am so sad to hear of Dr. Eisenberg’s passing. He was my and my late mother’s doctor for decades. In addition to being an excellent cardiologist, Dr. Eisenberg was a warm, down-to-earth and caring person. I always looked forward to my visits with him. I always felt that I was in good hands with his care and I am very fortunate to have had him as my doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with him and your family.

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Sandra Kenyon
December 2, 2016 at 7:49 am

I so very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Eisenberg. My mother had a heart attack in 1999. Dr. Eisenberg became her doctor at that time. He saved her life and gave her many more years to enjoy her life and family. He was an amazing doctor. As her caregiver I took her to all of her doctor appointments. The level of care and concern he gave my mother was both comforting and superior to any other doctor that had ever treated my mother. He was genuine. My deepest sympathy to the entire Eisenberg family.
God bless.

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Ken Feher
December 2, 2016 at 8:48 am

He saved my life. Great doctor and great person. We talked and laughed about the movie Young Frankenstein while I was on the treadmill. That’s how I remember him.

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Eleanor Leap
December 2, 2016 at 11:20 am

My first appointment with Dr. Eisenberg was in February 2007. He was always caring, willing to listen, used common sense when suggesting the health care path needed. Since we both enjoyed reading, we exchanged recommendations. I read some really good books as a result.

Mrs. Eisenberg I have been widowed twice and know how some of your days will go. Keep God close to you, it will help. You are in my prayers.

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