Eberhardt, Daniel Lee of Downers Grove, died in a plane crash with friend and to be life partner Bobbi Getz over Maryland on October 19, 2006. He is survived by his two sons, Dean and Mark Eberhardt; his mother and father, Ruth and Paul Eberhardt from Sour Lake, TX; his older brother, Tom and wife, Elinor Eberhardt from Aitkin, MN; his younger brother, David and wife Christine Eberhardt from Mobile, AL; and younger sister, Judy Swartz from Vidor, TX; his step children, Claudia Aguilar; her daughter, Erica and Jorge Farr from Chicago and Linda and Stanley Sypien and their daughter, Alexa from Downers Grove. Dan was born in Highland Park, MI on October 7, 1949. Moving a lot throughout his schooling, he was part of the Pennsylvania state champion high school football team from Mount Lebanon in 1966. He graduated from Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky as president of his class after only living there one year. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering Science from Northwestern University in 1972 and a Masters of Public Works from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976. While in Pennsylvania, Dan served as the youngest City Manager ever in the Borough of Green Tree. Dan was a visionary businessman. In the late 70s, he started a company called Campus Painters which still exists today under different ownership. He started a plastic compounding company in 1980 called MRC Polymers that eventually became his life's work. Although starting with humble beginnings, he grew the company substantially and employed close to one hundred Chicagoans. At the time of his death, he was still serving in his role as CEO after 26 years of service. Throughout the years, the MRC community truly became more of a family than a workforce and he will be missed deeply by everyone there. Although he maintained a strong focus on the company, he always made time for his family. He made use of his love of flying by traveling all over the world for both business and pleasure. He was an astute pilot who did whatever he could to focus on safety. Dan enjoyed a yearly trip to Cozumel, Mexico with his children as well as various trips around the country. Dan shared his love of flying with his family. Because of his influence, both of his brothers, his son and nephew all became pilots. Dan was truly loved by all and will be sorely missed. Memorial Visitation: Friday, October 27, 2006, 4 to 9 p.m., at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave, Darien. Memorial Mass Saturday, October 28, 2006, 10 a.m., meeting at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien. In lieu of flowers, donations to AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 21 Aviation Way, Fredrick, MD 21701 (800) 872-2672 appreciated. For funeral info: 630-852-3595. 
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Erica Rios
January 20, 2007
My grandfather was the best man in the world! He was such an amazing man! Even though he was not my biological grandfather, I still thought he was. If anyone ever needed any help he was always there with open arms and would always say "I'm here for you sweetheart, come and give me a hug, I Love You!" Till tis day I can still here him telling me that. I remember the last time I talked to him. And i didnt even get to say goodbye but I can still remember the conversation. "Sweetheart have you put some thought into college? Whatever you decide just as long as it is the right decision. I will always be here if you have any questions." He has had a huge impact on my life not only as a grandfather but as a father. I Love You Dan(grandpa) and I will always miss you!
Lou and Melodye Tacito
October 31, 2006
Dan's Family and Friends,
Now that we have returned to NH after the services for Dan we have been able to allow ourselves to have some closure to this horrific tragedy. Lou and I were blessed to have had dinner with Dan and Bobbi the evening before their "crossing" and we were also blessed to have been the folks who spent their last few hours the next morning as we drove them to the airport. We have known Dan for so many years in the professional world of plastics recycling and we were lucky enough to have crossed into Bobbi's path during that APR Meeting. The evening before at dinner we shared so many stories about our families and, of course, the recycle world and many of it's associates. There is no doubt that they loved each and every part of thier lives and were so greatful to be back in each others lives once again. Our fondest (and yet saddest memory) will be watching the two of them walk away from our car, hand in hand and smiling at each other as they turned one last time to wave goodbye and say, "See in Chicago". Sometimes we never get to know why things such as this happen but one discussion we had the evening before and even toasted with a glass of wine was to the word (they chose which was) ... "Destiny". May God watch over each of you and help you through time and faith ... to know why this came to be. Because if we were to ask Bobbi and Dan today, we have no doubt they would raise their glass and say, "Destiny".
Chad Menne
October 27, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Eberhardt family during this very difficult time. While I have never met Dan personally, I share his passion for flying and have heard some of Tom's flying stories with the two of them. The aviation community has lost a good freind and fellow pilot.
My deepest sympathies,
Chad Menne
Fellow Jet Prop Pilot
Brett Miller
October 27, 2006
I first met Dan when he interviewed me for a position at MRC. I remember leaving that meeting and telling my family and friends about this extraordinary person I had met and the company that he had founded. I was very impressed with Dan and the company’s mission, and felt fortunate when MRC offered me a position to work and contribute to the organization.
Dan was truly an inspiration as a human being as well as an employer. He engaged people in conversation with equal interest and enthusiasm whether discussing work, personal life or otherwise. I have a great admiration for his life, his accomplishments and his unwavering vision. I will miss Dan very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Dan’s family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
Clifford and Leah Hughes
October 27, 2006
Our sympathy and prayers are with you.
Andy, Nancy Hoehn
October 26, 2006
Nancy and I would like to express our sincerest sympathy to all of the family and friends. Dan truely was a visionary. He will be missed.
Henry and Judy Morton
October 26, 2006
Our deepest sympathy during this time of tragic loss. Our love to Paul and Ruth and the family. May prayers provide comfort for you.
Henry and Judy Morton
Beaumont,Texas
Jack Howard
October 25, 2006
I remember Dan from our high school days. He was a great classmate, teammate and friend. My condolences to all of his loved ones.
Robert Wells
October 25, 2006
My condolences and prayers go to Dan's family. When I recall working with him at MRC, my strongest memories are his integrity and upbeat attitude.
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Funeral services provided by:
Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Darien7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561

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