Associates, customers mourn loss of restaurant owner's wife
Article published Dec 22, 2005
BY STEVE KOWALSKI
STAFF WRITER
Joan Eberle has passed, but Joani's Potatoes, Joani's Eggs and the knickknacks she hung on every wall will always have prominence at Karl's Place Cafe.
Eberle, the wife of Karl Eberle, died Dec. 15, nearly a year after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. A real estate appraiser and mother of two grown daughters, Joan Eberle also made her mark on the restaurant at 4083 S. Baldwin Road in Orion Township's historic Gingellville neighborhood.
The Eberles bought the restaurant two decades ago and Joan was in charge of the decorations, her husband said. Karl named some of his menu items after her as well.
"She did everything, the floors, tables, the walls," Karl Eberle said. "She put her heart and soul into that place."
Family was important to Joan -- all one had to do was look at the walls adorned with family mementos dating back decades, if not a century or more.
"That's a waffle iron from her grandmother on the wall," said daughter Alicia Eberle, 26, pointing at one of the walls.
Joan and Karl were married 31 years. In addition to Karl and Alicia, she is also survived by another daughter, Angie, 22, her mother, Francis, and seven siblings.
A sister, Jean, and her father, Edward, preceded her in death.
Karl Eberle thanked customers, businesses and other members of the community who attended fund-raisers to pay for some of the medical bills not covered by insurance.
"We couldn't ask for a better community and people around here," Karl Eberle said. "I compare it to It's a Wonderful Life movie.
"We were high school sweethearts. I met her when she was 15, I was 16."
Joan Eberle stopped by the cafe from time to time to say hi to the employees and customers despite her terminal illness, recalled waitress Vicci Mihacsi.
"She'd sit down, have hot tea and talk," Mihacsi said.
"A good woman, nice to work for," added waitress Pat Hickman.
The funeral service at Christ the Redeemer Church in Orion Township Monday drew hundreds of family and friends, they said.
"She was in a lot of pain and it's selfish to want her to stay just to keep her here," Alicia Eberle said. "She's in a better place and not suffering anymore. I'm happy for her."