Charles Eberle

Charles "Chuck" A. Eberle Jr., 79, of Van Wert, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born April 12, 1946, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late Charles A. Sr. and Juanita (Lee) Eberle.

Chuck graduated from Van Wert High School and went on to serve proudly in the National Guard. On July 1, 1974, he married Michelle "Shelly" M. Gorman of Van Wert.

Chuck was a skilled carpenter and spent most of his career in the construction trades. He also faithfully served as Pastor of the former Grace Church in rural Middle Point and as Chaplain in the Van Wert, Allen (Ohio), Paulding, Mercer, and Allen County (Indiana) jails. He attended Trinity Friends Church and was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.

A passionate living historian, Chuck shared his knowledge at numerous schools and institutions throughout the tri-state area. He participated in historical reenactments and appeared in documentaries featured on the Discovery and History Channels.

Among his greatest joys was portraying Santa Claus for the Buckeye Y Youth of Van Wert and for the many children served by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Van Wert, Mercer, and Auglaize counties - often with his grandchildren proudly joining him as his elves.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Michelle Eberle; daughters, Stacey (Jerome) Thomas of Van Wert and Kara (Chad) Ransbottom of Rockford; son, Curtis (Marcie) Eberle of Convoy; seven grandchildren: Trey and Hunter Eberle, Destiny (Jacob) Schabbing, Preston Eberle, Alyssa Ryan, Saxon Ryan, and Cruiz Ryan; twelve great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Clara Eberle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carole A. Conn, and brother, Richard L. Eberle, Sr.

Chuck will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

To share in Chuck's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.