Rev. Ralph F. Eberle Jr.

"> Rev. Ralph Eberle
The Rev. Ralph F. Eberle, Jr. passed away at his home in Millersville, Pa. on May 1, 2009. Born August 12, 1930 in Norristown, Pa., he was the son of the late Ralph F., Sr. and Miriam A. Eberle of Conshohocken, Pa. Pastor Eberle received a Bachelor of Science from Millersville State Teachers College in 1952, a Bachelor of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, in 1955, and a Master of Sacred Theology from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, in 1960. He was ordained in 1955 in his home church, St. Marks Lutheran, Conshohocken. Pastor Eberle served as pastor at Central Lutheran Church, Phoenixville, Pa.; Christ Lutheran Church (Dryville), Fleetwood, Pa., and Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, Pa., from where he retired in 1995. He was awarded the honor of Pastor Emeritus for 30 years of pastoral leadership at Jordan Lutheran. During retirement he served as visitation pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Millersville, and Ascension Lutheran Church, Willow Street, Pa. He was also interim pastor at Mt. Eden Lutheran Church, Quarryville, Pa., and served as a supply pastor at many churches in the area and in Florida. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Millersville, Pa. For more than 70 years, Pastor Eberle was a registered scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He was active with the PA Dutch Boy Scout Council, Lancaster, as a commissioner and as pacesetter chairman. Previously, in the Minsi Trails Boy Scout Council, Allentown, he served as chaplain for many events, including the 2005 National Jamboree. He sat on many scout committees, and was the recipient of the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, Wood Badge, the Lamb Award, and the James E. West National Boy Scout Fellowship. His other interests included environmental concerns, child abuse prevention and clock repair. He was a member of Grundsow Lodge #19 in Lehigh County. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, and being with people. He was steadfast in his faith and in his love of God. Survivors: Wife, Nancy (Lighter) Eberle, to whom he was married 55 years, and children, R. Frederick Eberle III, married to Valerie, of Clifton, VA; Polly Irwin, married to Scott, of Lancaster, Pa. and Molly Sue Fink, of Millersville, Pa; seven grandchildren, Amanda and Victoria Eberle, Beth, Jan, and Mark Irwin, Austin and Connor Fink and a brother, Robert, of Port Trevorton, Pa. He was predeceased by two sisters, Miriam Holt and Ruth Hemsley. Services: Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Pastor Eberles Life Celebration Memorial Service from Ascension Lutheran Church, 600 E. Penn Grant Rd., Willow Street on JUNE 6, 2009 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Steven R. Bowser and the Rev. Burton Parry officiating, and a 2nd service from Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Rd., Orefield, Pa on JUNE 7, 2009 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Donald Hayn officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial services at each of the churches. Fred F. Groff, Inc. is handling arrangements. www.lifecelebration.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be received by St. Paul Lutheran Church, 222 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551, for the Rev. Ralph F. Eberle, Jr. Memorial Fund. The family will distribute the contributions among Pastor Eberles favorite charities.