Dennis Gebele, 85 of Surprise, Arizona passed into eternity on July 25 in Surprise, Arizona.

He was born July 30, 1938 in Lima, Ohio to A.J. Gebele and Mary Ann Gebele (Schroer). On August 26, 1961 he married the love of his life, Jeanne Art of Celina, Ohio.

Gebele is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and is the proud father of four sons: Alan (Chris) Gebele of New Jersey, Glenn (Angie) Gebele of Florida, Randy (Kim) Gebele of Vandalia, OH, and Niles (Ruth) Gebele of Sunbury, OH.

He is also survived by his sisters Janice (Jerry) Oeswein and Jane (Denny) Wilder. Loving grandfather to eight grandchildren: Jason, Adrienne (Matthew), Canaan, Scott, Eric (Marin), Emma, Mila and Benjamin Gebele (deceased). One great-grandchild, Brison.

As a longtime resident of Mercer County, Gebele graduated from Coldwater High School, attended St. Joseph College in Indiana and the Ohio State University. He was president of Paragon Ins. Agency in Celina for 30 years and later managed the real estate section for the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources in Columbus. Retiring in 2005, Dennis and Jeanne moved to Arizona to enjoy an active lifestyle in the Southwest. In retirement, Dennis and Jeanne traveled extensively in their motor home during which time they also worked for Good Sam Campground Directory evaluating campgrounds in North America. Dennis enjoyed a good game of bridge and was a snowmobiler, boater and private pilot.

Gebele was active in Mercer County, being honored as Celina Citizen of the Year in 1983. He was president of the Lake Development Corp, Celina Rotary Club, Celina Chamber of Commerce, Mercer County Zoning Board, Celina Jaycees, Red Cross and an active member of West Ohio Education Foundation, Lakefield Airport Authority, Wright State Foundation Board, and belonged to and taught continuing education classes for various professional insurance organizations. Dennis served in the Ohio Army National Guard and was a lifetime member of K of C and former recording secretary of Council #1800. He was one of the original members of the I.C. Parish Council, serving as secretary. While living in The Grand (an active retirement community) in Surprise, AZ; he served as president of the Sun Cities RV Storage Compound and served as chairman of the Grand Financial Advisory Committee. An active, productive, and meaningful life was Dennis' wish. The Lord allowed him to enjoy that life to the fullest.

A celebration of life will be held in Surprise, AZ.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina. The Rosary will be prayed before the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at the church. Internment will follow at St Mary's Celina IC Cemetery.

A reception will be held at noon at Celina K of C Hall.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the IC School endowment fund. Contact Lindsey Lunz, parish business manager, to make a donation, at 419-586-6648 or llunz@celina-ic.org.