Robert Lee Eberhard

Robert L. Eberhard, the familiar face and voice of Eberhard’s Dairy Products in Central Oregon, died Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at his home in Redmond, ending his fight with cancer. Bob Eberhard was born May 6, 1935 in Prineville, Oregon to Swiss immigrant John Eberhard and his wife Nelda. Bob was a hard working boy starting a paper route at 12 years of age and later in his teens, cleaning offices of US Bank and the telephone company. In 1953 Bob graduated from Redmond Union High School. He then attended Central Oregon Community College, and later transferred to Oregon State University where he graduated in 1958 with a bachelors of science degree with a technical minor in dairy products. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Bob met his wife Kaye at OSU and they were married on July 3, 1958, for 57 years until Kaye passed away on March 25, 2016. They had two children: Theodore Lee, who died in April, 2011, from ALS, and Holly Lynn Eberhard-Maloney, who survives. Also surviving is grandson James David (JD) Maloney, Jr., and two step grandchildren: Connor Flanagan and McKenzie Flanagan. After graduating from OSU, Bob served in the United States National Guard. His first job upon discharge from the military, was with Del Monte in San Francisco. In 1962 Bob went to work for Dictaphone Corporation in Seattle. While living in Bellevue they adopted their first child Theodore Lee. In August of 1964, Bob, Kaye and Ted moved to Redmond to join the family business with his father John Eberhard Sr. In 1965 the Eberhard family grew with the adoption of their second child Holly Lynn. During that time Bob, together with his father, and brothers Jack and Richard, expanded the family business into what it is today. Currently Eberhard’s Dairy Products is a full service dairy operation located in Redmond, Oregon, employing over 50 people, with distribution throughout state of Oregon. It is currently operated by third generation family member Mark Eberhard, Bob’s nephew. Bob has created a lasting impact and legacy in Redmond, Central Oregon, and State wide with his community service as a member and chairman of the boards of St. Charles Health System, and Central Oregon Community College. In addition, he served as a board member and president of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and of the Redmond Executives Association, and the boards of High Desert Museum, Redmond Development Commission, OSU Alumni Association and the Beaver Club. Bob was an avid Beaver supporter, rarely missing the Beavers’ home games. Bob was a member of the Redmond Presbyterian Church. In the business world, Bob served on the board of the Oregon Dairy Products Commission, as a board member and Chairman of the Board of National Quality Check’d Dairy Products Association. In addition, Bob served on the board of directors of a number of other businesses in which he owned an interest. Bob is survived by his brother Richard Eberhard, sister Mary Louise Barnes, daughter Holly Lynn Eberhard, grandson James David (JD) Maloney Jr., two step-grandchildren: Connor Flanagan and McKenzie Flanagan, and many nephews and nieces. The Eberhard family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. William Martin, and the staff at St. Charles Cancer Center, Hospice of Redmond, and his caregivers, who gave Bob 24-hour a day care and companionship. May God bless richly those who care for those who cannot care for themselves. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 14th at Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Avenue, Redmond, OR 97756 with an Ice Cream Social to follow. If you wish, the family suggests memorial gifts be sent to: The Dairy Science Facility Oregon State University Foundation, Notation: In Memory of Robert L. Eberhard 850 SW 35th Street, Corvallis OR 97333 Arrangements are entrusted to Redmond Memorial Chapel.