Robert Timothy (Tim) Ebenreiter was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. He passed away at his home in Sheboygan, WI on January 26th, 2023 at the age of 76. Living a life that was always above average, Tim’s fight with cancer was on his own terms as he defied doctors’ expectations of side effects and pushing beyond the rules of the disease. In the end, he died quickly and peaceful, surrounded by his family, and for those who know him so well… he did it his way.
Tim was born to Robert H. and Marguerite Crawmer Ebenreiter on November 14,1946 in Sheboygan, WI. He graduated from North High School in 1965. As student council president, he was awarded a gavel with the engraving “Bridge Builder” which became a theme that has defined his life. Enrolling at Princeton University, he graduated with a degree in Economics. He was proud of his work on the Daily Princetonian newspaper and as a founding member of the business enterprise, the Bubble Men, a dorm soda delivery service.
In 1969 he moved to Washington D.C. to work in the newly created Office of Minority Business Enterprise within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Here, he and his colleagues did groundbreaking work helping to coordinate the activities of government agencies for the benefit of minority owned businesses around the country.
He returned to Sheboygan and joined his father, Robert, in a leadership role at EBCO Furniture, a family business which manufactured hotel, military, hospital, and college dormitory furniture. When the company closed in 1988, Tim changed countless lives by creating opportunities for small businesses through EBCO Venture Center.
He was blessed with two daughters, Anne and Elizabeth from his marriage to his first wife Barbara Nelesen. Being a father and grandfather came naturally to Tim. Who wouldn’t love a man who made you feel like you were the most important person in the world? Whether it was learning to downhill ski, studying bugs, building anything from sandcastles to go carts, teaching you how to use a cordless drill, or eating fruit loops for breakfast… Tim was game. He had an energy level that just never quit. He loved being around youth as they matched his energy better than anyone else!
He served as coach to Elizbeth’s Odyssey of the Mind Team for eight years…studying everything from teeth to the Seven Wonders of the World. The greatest wonder was why this team never won!
In 1990 he married Diane Schmidt Bricco. Together they adventured around the world in a colorful, cultural and unconventional way. They hosted often and offered their home as a gathering spot for many. In and around Sheboygan they provided high quality, affordable rental homes. They were never known to be without a field trial golden retriever…always the best behaved, of course.
Tim loved to bring people together. He turned the 80,000 square foot EBCO warehouse into incubator spaces for woodworking, cabinetry, warehousing, band practice studios, dance studios, artists studios, and a dog training space. This was his passion and ultimate success during his final 35 years. Tim created opportunities for those who otherwise might not have had a chance to make their passions and dreams a reality. He and others fostered community through supporting and nurturing Sheboygan Visual Arts, pulling together a diverse group of people who co-created and gathered every month to display their work.
One would be remiss not to mention his strong sense for community engagement and social justice issues. Tim made 13 trips to Haiti to work on economic development issues, including the development of filtrated water systems and fish ponds. As a result of these trips several new organizations now flourish in Haiti today.
Tim was active in many community organizations. As member of First Congregational Church, he served as moderator, member of the choir, and a Sunday school teacher. For many years he was active in the Noon Rotary, particularly Camp Enterprise and COHO Derby. He also was a member of the Economic Club of Sheboygan County.
Tim enjoyed traveling, kayaking, golf, croquet, skiing, photography, boating and diving. Together, he and Diane traveled to 33 countries with family and friends. He loved croquet and tended to his pristine court for the weekly competition held there with a remarkable group of friends.
Tim is survived by his wife Diane, daughters Anne and Elizabeth (Ian), grandchildren Avery, Claire, George, Eloise, Jack, and his beloved Golden Retriever, Foxy. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Tom (Sheryl), brother-in-law Ralph (Janice), sister-in-law Sam, many nieces and nephews and former wife, Barbara Knauf. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Peg Ebenreiter, brother Ted, and in-laws Harold and Hazel Goetsch and Dennis Schmidt.
Visitation will take place at First Congregational Church on Sunday, January 29th from 4 – 6pm. Another visitation will occur on Monday, January 30th from 9 – 11am followed by the funeral service at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Tim Ebenreiter Memorial Fund, The Princeton Internship in Civic Service, Habitat for Humanity; Lakeside Chapter, and the Sheboygan Salvation Army.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Tim’s arrangements.
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