Dale Orin Eberlein, age 64, passed away at his home in Shawano on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Born on January 18, 1949 in Shawano, he was the son of the late Frederick and Frances (Jorgens) Eberlein. Dale graduated from Shawano High School in 1967 and two years later enlisted with the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS Prairie AD-15 and trained for PT boat engine room. He was then deployed to the Philippines and subsequently the waters of Vietnam. In November of 1970 he was Honorably Discharged from active duty and transferred to the Naval Reserves where he trained as a heavy equipment operator and worked in the construction field in Homestead and Miami, FL. In the mid 1970’s, Dale went to work at the Miami Airport as a security guard and he worked briefly in the Secret Service as security for President Nixon’s residence.

He later attended the University of WI-Oshkosh and Truck Driving School. He then drove semi trucks for several years until health concerns required him to retire. On October 9, 2010 he married his best friend and love of his life, Catharine Rhode in Bonduel. Dale was well known and very active in his community. He volunteered as a driver for the Shawano Veterans Agency as well as in various activities with the Shriners We Are People Organization. Dale was a member of the Shawano American Legion Post #117, the Shawano V.F.W. and the Vietnam Veterans Post #206. He was also a perpetual member of the Shawano Masonic Lodge, was a 32 Degree Mason and a Shriner in the Beja Chapter in Green Bay, We Are People Support Group, and was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. Dale had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them as well as his family. He also liked being outdoors and enjoying the nature that surrounded him. Dale was a happy, jolly man who was loved by many and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Dale is survived by: his wife, Catharine; a sister, Jane (Scott) Eberlein Green of San Diego, CA; nieces, Kathryn Frances Eberlein Green (Patrick) Hrezo, Kristen Jane Eberlein Green (Dustin) Capps; nephew, Scott William Green, Jr.; an aunt, Verna Jergens; and cousins, MerriBeth Nord and Dan Jergens.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with the Rev. Mark Palmer officiating. A Military Committal Service will follow at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano with Military Rites conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00-7:30pm with a Masonic Service at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Eberlein Park or to a Veterans group of your choice.

Source: The Shawano Leader, Tuesday 28 May 2013.