‘Colourful character’ Dennis ‘Bill’ Oberle remembered as ‘adoring’ father, grandfather

The South Burnett father of three is being remembered as a ‘colourful character’, who showered his family with love and lived to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Tributes have flowed for ‘adoring’ dad and granddad Dennis ‘Bill’ Oberle following his sudden and tragic death, whose generosity and wicked sense of humour has touched many lives in the South Burnett region.

Bill’s daughter Kacee Oberle said her father was charismatic and fiercely loyal man who wouldn’t hesitate to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

“He loved to make other people smile, even when he was hurting,” Kacee said.

“And he gave so much to other people. If anyone needed anything, if I needed anything, he was the first to take his shirt of his back and say ‘here be warm’.

“He’s unforgettable. Charming and humorous and has a positive impact on everyone he meets.”

Dennis 'Bill' Oberle (right) with Kacee Oberle, Evie, and Tomas (left). Photo/Kacee Oberle.

The 52-year-old father of three tragically died after his car veered off Wondai Proston Road and hit a tree in Proston on Sunday afternoon.

Kacee said her father never let her doubt the love he had for her.

She said he was always her rock when times got tough, particularly when it came to her daughter Evie, who she said was Bill’s pride and joy.

“He was the most adoring grandpa. He was amazing with my little girl. He lived for her,” she said.

Kacee said her dad had the most beautiful relationship with little Evie, who is ‘poppa’s little sidekick’, and a showed her off to the world with such pride.

Dennis 'Bill' Oberle pictured with his granddaughter Evie. Photo/Kacee Oberle

If Evie was having a tough day, a video call with grandpa would always bring a smile to her face.

“The morning he passed on he sent me a message saying ‘Good morning my beautiful girl. I hope you have an amazing day’, with an angel face, little chicken and a love heart emoji,” she said.

“I was supposed to see him today. I thought I was going to get one of his bear hugs.”

Dennis 'Bill' Oberle. Photo/Sandy Walker

While it’s difficult to capture such a large personality in words, Kacee said she hoped he knew how loved he was.

She said she knows he’ll always be watching over her and Evie, and his sons Max and Tomas.

Long-time friend Scott Eggerling said friends of Bill were never short of funny stories to share about their eccentric mate.

Dennis 'Bill' Oberle pictured with his granddaughter Evie. Photo/Kacee Oberle

Scott said Bill was not the kind to give a second thought about the opinions of people who did not matter to him, instead focusing all his energy on the ones he loved.

“(Kacee) would have been the most protected girl around,” Mr Eggerling said.

“He was just a good guy, and incredibly generous. He’d give you anything.”

Originally published as ‘Colourful character’ Dennis ‘Bill’ Oberle remembered as ‘adoring’ father, grandfather