Keith Eberle

DEFIANCE - USMC Veteran Keith D. Eberle, 86 of Defiance, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, November 4, 2024. Keith joined the United States Marine Corps on June 28, 1957, and proudly served until being honorably discharged on July 5, 1959. Keith is the seventh of seven brothers to proudly serve their country.

Keith was a brave and loyal Marine, as well as a loving husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He married Marlene Walter, who survives. They would have been happily married for 63 years on December 2, 2024. He was a Supervisor for 28 years at General Motors until his retirement in 2000. Keith was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, and Eagles #372, Moose Lodge #2094, and was an Honor Guard member at VFW #3360. In his leisure time he enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family, especially with the grandkids and great-grandkids. Throughout the athletic years of his grandchildren, he loved attending their sporting events. Keith will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Keith is also survived by his daughters, Lisa (Mike) Leffel of Bryan, Ohio, Joani (Stuart) Smith of Jackson, Michigan, and Susan (Tad) Shindledecker of Stryker, Ohio, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his sister Juanita Schnitkey, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Fredia (Huber) Eberle, sisters Ethel Dietrick and Madeline Gilliland, brothers Don, Bob, Arthur, James, Nelson, Darrell, and two brothers who died in infancy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 9 at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. Keith will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside Military Honors conducted by VFW #3360.

Memorials are suggested to the church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.