Dennis Marvin Eberhardt

Dennis M. "Gabby" Eberhardt

September 23, 1948 – August 4, 2025

Dennis M. "Gabby" Eberhardt, 76, of Black River Falls passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 4th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 23, 1948, in Arcadia, Wisconsin to Clemens and Melaine (Mueller) Eberhardt. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1966. After graduation, Gabby attended Wisconsin State University-La Crosse majoring in education. During his college years his parents moved to Black River Falls, WI. Over summer break of 1968 Gabby met Debbie Millis whose grandparents lived across the street. A year later, on August 30, 1969, Gabby and Debbie were married in Black River Falls, WI, leading to over 55 years of marriage.

After graduation from UW-LaCrosse in 1971, Gabby enlisted as an officer in the United States Navy. Gabby and Debbie lived in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christie, TX and finally in Alameda, CA while serving in the Navy. He served our country until 1977 when he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant and naval aviator. Upon completion of his naval career, Gabby packed up his family and trusty springer spaniel "Jake" in the old Ford LTD and moved them all back to Wisconsin. In August of 1977 Gabby was prepared to start teaching physical education and coaching JV football in Tomah when he got the call from Delta Airlines, they offered him a job as a commercial airline pilot, fulfilling his dream of flying airplanes for a living. This began his 25-year career working for Delta, starting as a flight engineer on a 727 and retiring as a captain flying 757/767 jets to multiple countries.

Gabby was known for his quick wit, competitive spirit and social interactions. His nickname is a testament to this. He was a three-sport athlete in high school and continued his playing career in baseball and fastpitch/slow-pitch softball post-graduation. The ballfield was where he met many of his lifelong friends. He was also an avid fisherman; spending many trips with friends to Canada, Minnesota and South Dakota. But Gabby's passion was hunting, starting in the bluffs of Buffalo County and continuing on to the mountains out west. Gabby enjoyed hunting/fishing with his friends, but the joy of his life was his family. As his hunting and fishing slowed down, he enjoyed spending time taking his grandkids hunting and fishing with him and watching their sporting events. Gabby was prouder of them being successful than any of his personal achievements. He was always making sure his family was taken care of and willing to lend a hand of help anytime it was needed. There were many weekends spent in the basement of his home, watching Badger or Packers games around the warm fire he would have ready for them. The annual get together at Gabby & Debbie's home the night before deer season was always a treasured event. These memories will live on forever.

When Gabby wasn't busy flying airplanes, fishing or hunting, he filled his free time serving his community through multiple organizations. He was a member of the Black River Gun Club, Shaftbusters Archery and Sportsmans Club, and the Hixton American Legion Post #368. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited and a founding member of the Jackson County Wildlife Fund. After his retirement from Delta in 2002, Gabby began his second career by getting involved in local government and community boards. He was elected to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors in 2004 and retired in 2016, with 8 years leading Jackson County as the Chairperson. He also served on the Black River Memorial Hospital Board (2010-2018, 3 Years Chair) and was President of the Lunda Community Center Board (2017-2020). In 2015, Gabby received the Black River Falls Rotary Service Above Self Award recognizing his service to the Black River Falls community.

Gabby is survived by his wife of 55 years Deborah (Millis) Eberhardt along with his children Bradley (Ann) Eberhardt and Amy (Brian) Aebly, all of Black River Falls; his grandchildren Madison Eberhardt, Spencer and Samuel Aebly, Nathan (Chelsea), Megan and Brandon Stenulson; his great-grandchildren Alaina, Khloe, Amelia, Evalee, and Iyla Stenulson. He is also survived by his big brother, Darrel (Marilyn) Eberhardt along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Gabby was preceded in death by his daughter, Trisha Jean Eberhardt; his parents Clem and Melaine Eberhardt; his in-laws Phillip (Frog) and Betty Millis; and his sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Bob Wolfe.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Brad and Ann Eberhardt residence, N7011 Bible Rd., Black River Falls, WI. There will be a Memorial Program starting at 5 PM with an Honor Guard presentation following the short program. Food, drink and laughter will be provided.

The family requests any monetary donations be given to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Gabby enjoyed spending many years at Time for You and was one of their longest tenured members, showing how much he enjoyed being with friends.

Thank you to St. Croix Hospice for the quality of care given to Gabby over his past few months. A special thank you to all those that helped take care of Gabby, without your support he would not have been able to enjoy staying at home until his time of passing; Darrel, Karen, Suzanne, Michelle and Jen. Thank you so much to all that supported his journey.