Elmer Jay Eberly

Elmer Jay Eberly, 88 of Petoskey, Michigan passed away at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital on September 20, 2020.

Son of Ralph and Fannie (Hilty) Eberly, Elmer was born on March 13, 1932 in Orrville, Ohio. He grew up there and graduated from Smithville High School.

In 1959, he married Grace Brubacher in Petoskey. After their children were born, he and Grace did a volunteer service assignment in LaJunta, Colorado for the Mennonite Church. They moved to Big Rapids, Michigan in 1966 where Elmer attended Ferris State University, graduating with degrees in business, accounting, and electronics.

Elmer and his family moved back to Petoskey in 1975, where he worked for several local businesses in accounting and electronics, then taught Electronics at North Central Community College before retiring. Although Elmer's mobility was seriously impacted by MS and he was in a wheelchair for over 30 years, he continued maintaining the family vehicles and doing what needed to be done on the home property. He was an inspiration for his determination and ingenuity,  never giving up until a problem was solved or project completed.

Elmer was an inventor and a tinkerer. A resourceful and creative welder, he repurposed everything, and would make whatever he needed instead of buying it. Elmer was  a gentle, soft spoken man who loved the outdoors. He wasn't a big fan of crowds but he enjoyed his one on one time with family and friends out to dinner, on trips, or vacation in other states.

Elmer's faith was extremely important to him and he was a member of the Petoskey Mennonite Church for years until its closure, after which he attended the Epsilon Methodist Church.

Elmer is survived by his children Ed and Christine (Ken) Mitchell; his grandchildren: Alycia (Katy) Prince, Nathan Paul, Megan Mitchell, and Michael (Lucy) Mitchell; and his great-grandchildren Emily, and Thomas Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Grace; and his siblings: Loren, Ruth Cook and Ellen.

Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Elmer's memory are suggested by family to consider the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

A memorial service for Elmer will be officiated by Pastor Yun Cloud at Stone Funeral Home on October 4, 2020 at 3:00 PM. A visitation will begin at 2:00 PM.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home.

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