"Judy and family, Memories of Gene and his smile and jokes always bring back the good feelings always present when around him. He was always there to listen to people and to care about their circumstances. He will be missed."
Gene Green, 77 of 780 N Horseshoe Lake Drive, Gwinn, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 11, 2008 after a week long fight to survive a heart attack.
Gene was born on July 5, 1930 in Clinton, MN to John and Lessie Green. Gene worked for many years in their family businesses which included a traveling movie route, a gas station and restaurant. He also worked for the SOO railroad prior to joining the Air Force. He served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
After leaving the service he settled with his family in Gwinn, MI. He worked as an electronics repairman at CCI for 28 years and retired in 1992. He also was an assessor for several townships in our area, served as township supervisor and organized and coached the Babe Ruth baseball league. He was also a member of the VFW Post 5670 in Gwinn.
In the most recent years Gene spent much of his time volunteering. He spent 7 years working with Volunteer Services at Marquette General Hospital installing Lifeline systems. He also volunteered with RSVP and volunteered his time interviewing veterans for the Veterans History Project. These interviews will be shared with the Library of Congress. Gene volunteered with many other area organizations. He also loved to spend time with all of his grandchildren and was a great babysitter.
Gene was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy Stuhr, his parents and two brothers. Surviving are his wife of 26 years Judith (Raihala-Willig). Being married to Judy for 26 years meant so much to Gene as he had always hoped to celebrate their 25th anniversary. 3 daughters, Nancy Sult of Wasilla, AK, Cindy (Norm) Johnson of Gwinn, Terri Green(Chester Van De Hey) of Menasha, WI, 3 step-children, David (Laurie) Willig of Auburn, MI, William Willig (Traci Kirkham) of Monico, WI, Karen (Mike) Brinker of Gwinn, MI. 18 Grandchildren, 10 great children and several 4 legged grandchildren. Two nieces that lived with the family for many years Joanne (Jerry) Straube of Omaha, NE, Rorie Stolfo of Boise, ID and many more nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m., with the service to follow at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, 558 W. M-35, Gwinn, MI. Pastor Chad Christensen will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gene's name to Marquette General Hospital's Lifeline program – 580 W. College Ave., Marquette, MI 49855, the Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, or a charity of your choice.
"Judy and family, Memories of Gene and his smile and jokes always bring back the good feelings always present when around him. He was always there to listen to people and to care about their circumstances. He will be missed."
"Eugene will always be in my mind and in my heart. Some of my earliest memories were of "Uncle Gene" at Grandma Green's Lake Stella. He would come out onto her dock and throw each one of us in the water, while putting on a great show of struggling with the lot of us. Eventually, he would get wet as well. Those, and the other few moments of his life that he shared will be with us always. In the greater scheme, I had but a few moments with him, of his life, still I miss him mightly. Lately, we had our disagreements, as people always seem to given enough time. His passing so soon, took away our opportunity to settle them. I hope that Gene, his smiles, his antics, and his passion for friendship, will live with each of us now. It will with me. I miss him. Judy, I am sorry for your loss. I am sorry too for God. Now he has to deal with Gene...and his antics. I miss them."
"Cindy, To you and Norm and to all your family, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking about you and hoping that all of you can find peace very soon. Though I did not know your dad, I can see by the quality character and warmth of the daughter he raised that he was a wonderful man indeed and he will undoubtedly be missed. My love to you, Cindy."
"Judy and all the Green Family: I was shocked to hear of Gene's passing. I always thought very highly of him and treasure the laughs we shared. He has been through alot of health issues in the past and apparently could not overcome this one. He will be sadly missed by me. My deepest sympathy go out to all of you."
"Cindy and family, So sorry to hear about your loss of Eugene. May your warm memories flood your heart at this difficult time."
"Judy, We are so very sorry to learn of Gene's passing. He was a wonderful and kind person as you well know. We will be out of town the day of his service but will remember you in our prayers."
"Bill & I send out our thoughts and prayers to all of you during this time. Your grief is being shared by many of us who knew Gene and loved him. His smiling face and kind heart will always be remembered. God bless all of you. Bill & Kathy"
"Gene always had a joke, smile and kind words for anyone he met. He touched so many people's lives with his volunteer work, we can all learn from that. Gratefully he was able to see Cindy married and P.S. he made a mean "Grasshopper"! Our prayers to his family."
"Judy & Family, so sorry to hear about Gene. He was a special person and I know you will miss him greatly. He was always a great friend to my husband and me. We will always remember him fondly. Toni"
"Dear Cindy and family, Our deepest condolences to you all. Just getting home from Florida but sincerely hope to attend the services to honor your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs, Barb and Den Filizetti"
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Green family. Shar and I have known the Green family for over 40 years. Gene will most definitely be missed in the community."
"Heartfelt condolences to all of the Green family from all of the Moss family. We were neighbors for several years so many years ago. Gene was always the neighborhood clown and we all shared many laughs with him. Even though we haven't seen each other for many years we have always remembered Gene and all of you and the great times we had together as families. You are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. May God Bless You All"
"Judy and Family. So sorry to learn of Gene's death. He was always such a pleasant, positive person and we know you'll miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with you."
"To all of the extended family of Eugene Green, I offer my condolences. I have many memories of Mr. Green Jeans. Everytime I'd come back to Gwinn for a visit I seemed to run into him somewhere. He'd always ask how everyone in my family was doing and then procede to tell me a good joke. He was my coach in Babe Ruth baseball as a kid and I had the pleasure to work with him sometimes when I was at the Empire Mine as a young man. God will surely bless him for all the good deeds he did in his life. May God be with you all during this time of sorrow."
"We sent our heart felt prayers for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather to many. Or thoughts are with you. He will forever live on in our memories. Lois (Green) Wright & Family (Marv's daughter)"
"Dear Judy - It's been years since I've seen Gene or yourself, but Joe and De-An have kept me informed of all that happens. I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I just hope God's ready for him!! Gene was always giving of himself, and always had a smile on his face. He'll be missed by all who knew him, but I'm sure he'll be remembered with a smile. God Bless You and yours."
"Our prayers are with all of you.As you know gene was very special to Renee and I.He could always make us smile.The best was how He could always make Renee blush!!Even when He was so many miles away.He will always be remembered"
"Our sympathy to you Judy and family -- We were really shocked to hear of Gene's death. We always really enjoyed Uncle Gene! I know when he was here for Dustin's wedding, he said "this is what I miss the most" -- (Gary and my bickering at each other!) He somehow managed to always take pictures of me "at my best"! Had a great time when we were in Michigan visiting years ago and at the lake. I think I had finally forgiven him for his part in my wedding memories. Can't believe it's been almost 29 years since then. Of course, I didn't leave him near Dustin at his wedding! Many great memories. Denise and DeNephew (Gary and Denise Reich and family)."
"Judy and Family, Gene will be greatly missed. His impish grin and lots of stories. We are so thankful to have known him. Love, Patricia and Lionel"
"Dear Judy, Cindy, Terri, and Family, I was saddened to hear of Gene's passing. He was a fine man who I had the greatest respect for. Though it's been many years since we spent time together, I will always remember his welcoming smile and his playful ways. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. The loved ones in our lives are never forgotten and though it's difficult now, they will continue to bring joy into your lives as you remember them. God Bless Gene and God Bless all of you."
"Cindy, Norm and the Green Family, We offer our condolences and prayers of understanding. Cindy, I did not know your dad personally, but from the tributes and obituary it is obvious the apple did not fall from the tree."
"Dear Cindy & family, Please know of my prayers and sympathy as you mourn the passing of Gene. God be good to him and to you. Gene's obituary certainly speaks of a life wewll-lived. I had hoped to drive down from Houghton for services this Tuesday, but I have been hit with a bad cold and am pretty much staying in bed. Again, know of my love, prayers, sympathy and friendship. God bless!"
"Our deepest and sincere sympathy to Judy, Cindy, Nancy, and Terry. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Not only was he Uncle Gene, he was a dear friend."
"will be thinking of you and all of the wonderfull memories i have of uncle Gene"
"Dear Judy, Cindy, Terri, and family, My condolences and prays go out to each and every one of you for your loss. Eugene was very special to me and to everyone who knew him. My very first memory of Uncle Eugene was when he was in his uniform coming home from work (US Air Force). My next memory of Uncle Eugene was when he would come down to his Mom and Dads at Lake Stella, MN. The first thing he would due is throw all the kids in the lake. I remember one time all of us kids got the best of him and he went in the lake too. When he came up out of the water he had to take his soaking wet wallet out of his pocket before he could continue playing with us in the water. He will always be remembered for his humor, his kind and caring manner and of course he will always be remembered for his argumentative personality."
"Dear Cindy, Norm, Terry, Judy and family, We just got back to town today and were saddened to see your dad's CarePage telling us of his passing. We were so hopeful he would recover from this illness. Although I only met him a couple of times, I heard enough about him to know he was a very special man to many people. I am so glad he was able to see your marriage, Cindy and the happiness you have found with Norm. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Sincerely, Laurie and Doug"
"Our thoughts are with you all Judy, Nancy,Cindy and Terry. Uncle Gene was a great friend To all I finally after all these Years told my kids who Santa was that always came to thier grandma and grandpas house on Christmas ever we have so many good memories and alot of laughts to remember . I also rember how we used to call him sgt carter and I think he got a kick out of that to our prayrs are with you all Deb Ralph and family"
"Cindy and family, My prayers to you at this time of loss. You have lost a father, husband, and friend. God Bless you all. Mary Jo"
"Sorry for the loss of Gene, My thoughts and prayers are with you. It was always nice to visit with him when he would pick up his photos. he will be missed."