A humble, loyal and caring man, Nils G. Eikenberry, 67 of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Eikenberry was born in Greenville, son of the late Myron A. and Velma (Deeter) Eikenberry. He graduated from GHS in 1961 and attended both Manchester College and the University of Cincinnati. Nils was the second generation to operate the family-run grocery store. Having spent 45 years managing the business, he retired in 2005 and continued to serve as chairman of the board of Eikenberry’s Foodliners.
In addition, he was on the board of directors of Ohio Grocers Association. This great man of character loved Greenville and contributed to this community in many ways. He was a past president, board member and ambassador of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, past president and board member of Family Health Services and Greenville Country Club. He was past president of Sertoma Club, a board member of A Learning Place, The Work Free Policy Board, and the Red Cross Board. He was a member of the Darke County Community Improvement Board, Greenville Elks Club, Greenville Masonic Lodge, Antioch Shrine of Dayton, Darke County Shrine Club and a member of the EUM Church.
Nils enjoyed hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, golf, tennis, traveling in general and particularly the southwest area of Florida and Cabo San Lucas, watching all sports, spending time with family and friends, fireside gatherings, the fine arts, singing and participating in the church choir.
Preceding him in death was his first wife, Collette Spidel Eikenberry on September 23, 1994.
Surviving are his second wife, Patricia (Regner) Hiller Eikenberry; his brother Ron (Judy) Eikenberry of Greenville; sister Mona (Mrs. George) Ludwick of Tequesta, Florida; Greenville daughters Gretchen (Mrs. Mark) Davis, and Elizabeth (Mrs. Jerry) Bunch, and Jenny Light of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also surviving him are seven grandchildren: Kelcie Davis of Bloomington, Indiana; Tripp Davis of Newark, New Jersey; Chloe, Ellie, and Micah Light and Jeremiah and Rebekah Bunch, and his stepmother Pauline Eikenberry all of Greenville.
Also stepsons; Gregg Hiller of Tampa, Florida; Nicholas Hiller of Jacksonville, Florida; and John Hiller attending Kent State University. Brothers in law; George (Kathy) Spidel; John (Jane) Spidel; David (Mariette) Spidel; Sam Spidel; Robert Pequignot; Frederick Regner; Matthew (Dede) Regner; Major General Michael (Mary) Regner USMC; and sister in law Lianne Spidel.
A family and friends Celebration and Tribute of Life Service will be held on Saturday September 11, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at the EUM Church 1451 Sater Street Greenville, Ohio with Rev. Bill Lyle officiating.
The Family request that memorial donations may be made to State of the Heart Hospice of Greenville or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pancan.org). Funeral arrangements by Zechar Bailey Funeral Home Greenville, Ohio. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com.