U.S. Naval Academy fourth-class Midshipman Frederick Henry Eissler had at best six hours to live when he arrived at the hospital, his father said.
But the 20-year-old fought the infectious disease for another five days before he died.
“We prayed for miracles, and miracles did happen, but not what we prayed for,” said Eissler’s father Frederick Eissler, a retired Navy commander, during Eissler’s funeral Friday at the academy’s chapel.
“I hope you never have the experience of a loved one passing away like that.”
Eissler, of West Chester, Pa., died Monday of complications from bacterial meningitis. He was laid to rest at the academy’s cemetery.
“There were moments during those five days at his bedside that we thought … despite this infection, he would pull through and beat this invisible enemy,” Catholic chaplain Aidan Logan, who celebrated the funeral Mass, said during his homily.
Eissler contracted the bacterial form of meningitis despite receiving a vaccine, which covers 70 percent of the causes of the disese.
He was remembered as a humble person, sports fan, noble brother to his four younger sisters and person who knew how to have a good time.
His sudden illness, his struggle against it and his eventual death tested the family’s faith, and brought them closer together, his father said.
“Freddy, my son, I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished in life,” Eissler’s father said, sobbing with each word. “I love you son, and God knows I’m the luckiest dad in the world.”
His tearful eulogy touched many midshipmen, most of whom were already showing visible signs of grief. Many had their heads in their hands during prayers, while others wiped tears from their eyes as Eissler’s father and friend spoke highly of him.
“How does a man get to be so tough,” said third-class Midshipman Charles Schappert, describing how his friend fought against the disease that infects the fluid around the spinal cord and brain.
“If you have a buddy you haven’t talked to in while, call them up or visit them,” he said. “You may never get that chance again. I know I didn’t.”
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