Eugene "Gene" LeMaire, age 93, went home to be with Jesus, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 11, 2023. He was born February 24, 1930 in Oak Park, Illinois, and was the son of the late Eugene and Winifred (Goetschel) LeMaire, and brother of Gloria Verbic.

Gene grew up in LaGrange, Illinois and attended Wheaton Academy (WA).  Wheaton Academy played a central role in his life.  He attended WA as a boarding student where he found Jesus, and his wife, Carolyn Stevenson around 73 years ago.  Gene and Carolyn were the first couple to be married in the WA chapel in 1952.  Gene started his career at WA, teaching and serving in a variety of roles. Gene taught biology, Bible, driver's ed, sponsored classes, and served as a WA school bus driver.  Four of his five children attended WA, as well as four grandchildren. Gene later became a full-time paint contractor, while Carolyn continued teaching at WA.  Gene continued to connect with students in a variety of ways accompanying Carolyn on student trips even to Europe, bringing fresh pineapple to those working late on the school plays, or helping around the school.

Gene and Carolyn loved traveling the world and exploring nature, but the most transformative life experience was when Gene was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1978.  Gene was on his death bed – almost unrecognizable, with a grim prognosis, but our family was greatly comforted by the prayers of many.  In his sovereignty, God chose to miraculously heal Gene's body.  The doctors could find no medical explanation for the changes in his body.  This physical healing transformed Gene into an even more faithful follower of Jesus.  His children remember him faithfully reading the scriptures and praying every morning.

Gene abided in the love of Jesus which flowed out of his life and into the lives of others through:

- his kindness to all, especially to children who gravitated to his lap listening to stories, being tickled, hugged, and kissed

- his thoughtfulness to everyone; giving bananas to people in his retirement home, especially those alone, earning him the title of "Banana Man", squeezing orange juice every morning for 15 teens on a mission trip, or always making sure Carolyn's car had fuel

- his generosity, has been described as beyond beautiful, whether someone needed a ride, including a van full of students to a loud Christian rock concert when he was in his 70's, painting a house for free for a widow or missionary, or providing a place missionaries could take a break

- the way he encouraged people with a visit, a treat of fruit, or a listening ear:  cancer patients, disengaged students, or helping someone make healthier choices, or the benefits of taking bee pollen.

- the way he modeled working hard and how to focus on God and people. His children, grandchildren, and employees benefited from these life lessons while painting, hauling brush, cleaning the beach, or chopping and stacking wood.

- chatting with anyone whether a check-out clerk at a store, someone he noticed alone, or a paint customer.

Other significant places he loved were the cabin on Aylen Lake and the mountain house near Nederland in Colorado.  These were places where family came to be together, and where Gene and Carolyn always had an open door to guests and visitors.

Gene / Dad, Grandpa, and Great grandpa will be sorely missed by:

- by his children: Holly (Duane) Cory of Littleton, CO, Sandra (James) Gonzalez of Huntley, MT, David (Margaret) LeMaire, of Trumbull, CT, Aimée (Rob) Ramsey, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Marc LeMaire of Viroqua, Wisconsin

- by his 18 grandchildren: Ian (Laraine), Morgan (Caleb), Brittany (Zach), Graham, Laura (Brandon), Paisley (Trent), Mercedes, Danii (Christopher), Joel (Amanda), Marc (Abby), Emily (Brian), Alexander (Hailey), Aaron, Brayton, Noah, Juniper, Flynn, and Zephyr

- by his 22 great-grandchildren: Mason, Luke, Addison, Lincoln, Aylen, Coryn, Theo, Lennon, Rae, Kennedy, Remington, Riot, one on the way, Cedar, Fen, Will, Sepi, Jonathan, Aoife, Zélie, Lilianna, and Finley.

The celebration of this life well lived will be at Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Rd., West Chicago, IL 60185 , on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 2:30 pm.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Wheaton Academy .

Family and friends may sign a guest book HERE . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .

Cards can be sent to Carolyn LeMaire at:  0N801 Friendship Way Apt 1252, Geneva, IL  60134