Michael Frank Ebert, 65 of Ridott passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 29 ^th . Michael was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend to many. He was born on December 21 ^st , 1957 to Richard and Beverly (Higar) Ebert. He was a 1976 graduate of Freeport High School. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport.

He met the love of his life, Deanna at the Ridott Corners in November of 1981 and they were married on April 30 ^th , 1982. Michael and Deanna spent 40+ blissful years together and were blessed with two girls, Sarah and Megan. Michael was very proud of his girls and enjoyed spending time with them and his grandchildren. He embraced being a grandpa and always loved when the grandkids would come and visit every day.

Michael was a lifelong resident of Ridott and he was proud of his community. As a young boy, he enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of his time running around with his brothers and all of his neighborhood friends. He enjoyed hunting and often told stories of being too young to hunt on his own, so his Grandma Helen Higar would go along with him. In later years, he was elected a trustee for the Village of Ridott and served the office for several years.

Michael attended barber college and started his early career as a barber. As a barber, he made many friends and had a lot of great memories. He then switched careers to work for the phone company. He worked for many years as a switch technician and engineer for Verizon Wireless in Rockford, IL. He enjoyed his years working for the phone company and is remembered as being hardworking, dedicated, patient and kind.

Michael enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at Castle Rock Lake, where he was often boating, fishing, and four-wheeling. Michael instilled a love of music in his children and grandchildren and is remembered for listening to a wide variety of genres. He loved film and would invite his grandchildren to watch his favorite movies with him. Michael had an incredible memory and he was an amazing story teller, often recalling specific details and events. Michael was known for being incredibly generous and passionate about supporting local non-profit organizations. He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching them play. Michael was known for being an advisor and mentor to many and was viewed as a moral compass.

He is survived by his wife Deanna, daughters Sarah (Brad) Wilhelms and Megan (Michael) Howard. He had six beautiful grandchildren; Logan, Elizabeth, Easton, Faith, Jason, and Elaina. His brothers, Martin (Susan) Ebert, Matthew (Jackie Rodriguez) Ebert. His sisters-in-law, Debra Beyer, Dawn Saxby (Mark), Darla (Mark) Shelly, Doreen (Mike) Devries. He also had many nieces and nephews whom he cherished.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Beverly Ebert, infant brother Richard Ebert, and sister-in-law Julie Ebert.

Visitation will be held at Walker Mortuary on Monday, April 3 ^rd from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Tuesday, April 4 ^th at 11:00am. Burial will be at Ridott Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.