Michael Pius Eberle Jr.

April 22, 1944 – September 25, 2026

Michael “Mike” Eberle was born in Hague, North Dakota, on April 22, 1944, and passed away at Spokane Hospice House on September 25, 2026, at the age of 82. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and faithful Catholic whose kindness and steady presence made people feel cared for. Mike led a life full of love, laughter, and family. We miss him deeply and are grateful for the years and memories we shared with him.

Mike met Darlene Gabriel, his wife of 57 years, when they were both attending catechism as youngsters, where she shared a holy water bottle with him. They married in Hague ND on June 22, 1969. His family was at the center of his life. He was a loving father to Joyce Willbrandt (Scott), Laurie Le (Lam), Darin Eberle, and Tammy Ness, and a proud grandfather to Kayley, Colton, Chelsea, Kyah, Brady, Jayden, Lexi, and Noah. He made a special connection with each grandchild and showed up for all the little and big things. He made us feel like it was a privilege for him to spend time with the kids and went out of his way to help in any way he could. From attending school assembly’s, practices and games, taking them out for lunch, helping with homework, sleepovers, family vacations, along with regular trips to North Dakota to visit everyone back home . He loved spending time with family and friends and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed one.

Mike grew up working on the family farm as one of ten children, this is where he developed his strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. After being drafted, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a radar repairman. His military honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge for the M14 rifle. He was proud of his service and especially touched when people thanked him for it. In 2018, he had the honor of joining the Inland Northwest Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

After his military service, Mike studied HVAC and built a career with Clark Equipment, ISC, Olivetti, and the West Valley School District. He was a capable and patient person who enjoyed helping others learn. A natural fixer, he could turn his hand to woodworking, cars, yard work, and just about any household project. He was also a good boss and a loyal friend. He loved visiting with friends and family at Mikes donuts after working out at the YMCA with his brothers and friends. He loved history, enjoyed participating in Bloomsday, and was always willing to try something new. Always up for an adventure he enjoyed the rollercoasters at Silverwood, skiing and even a helicopter ride in Hawaii. He would work on our cars and always fill the gas tanks before returning them to us without saying a word.

Mike was gracious, thoughtful, and never took himself too seriously. He loved to tell jokes and always had a quick-witted comeback. His quiet generosity will never be forgotten. He told stories with humor, respect, and sometimes a mischievous twinkle. His calmness, patience, hospitality, and devotion to the people he loved will remain part of our family for generations. Parkinson’s disease and dementia eventually limited the things he could do, but they could not diminish the love and laughter he gave us or the memories we carry. Throughout these last years he had visitors daily in fact more than the veteran home had ever seen and that spoke to the impact he had on us all. We would gather just to sit with him tell stories listen to music, help him eat and hold his hand.

Mike loved the Lord and lived his Catholic faith throughout his life. We take comfort in knowing he is at peace with God. We can picture him already serving God in whatever he has in store for him in heaven. We imagine his parents, Mike and Magdalena Eberle, and his siblings Joe Eberle, Linda Vetter, and Rose Silvernagel, were there to welcome him. His loving example lives on in all of us.

Services will be held Tuesday Oct 20th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 304 S. Adams Road, Spokane, WA 99216 Rosary will be prayed at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m.

A celebration of life will follow the Mass at approx. 3:30pm at The Pergola Event Center, 2928 N. Madelia Street, Spokane, WA 99207.

Mike’s final resting place will be Spokane Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Road, Medical Lake, WA 99022. A short military service will be held there on Wednesday Oct 21st at 2:30pm.