Gene grew up in Meriden, IA, a rural community that included most of his extended family. He enjoyed playing in the school band, participating in every sport and was involved in church activities. He was the son of a grain elevator operator and spent many hot summers shoveling grain and delivering feed.

His sister Judy introduced him to Marsha Johnson in 1973. Marsha followed him to the University of South Dakota and they married in 1977. They moved together to Minneapolis/St. Paul where they raised their three daughters Lea, Courtney and Hillary. Gene grew up valuing hard work. He worked at Touche Ross as a CPA, Gelco Corporation (an international leasing company) and finally settled in at Midway Container, which he was proud to lead for 30 years.

In 1983, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Despite its challenges, he continued to work, coach kids, serve in various capacities at church, travel and do all that he could for as long as he could. When asked how he was, he most often replied, "never better!" He had a knack for accumulating friends wherever he was. His positive attitude and genuine love for connecting with people will long be remembered by those who knew him.

Gene and Marsha moved to the Chicago area in 2014, settling in Batavia to be close to the family. This was especially good as his MS became more and more difficult. He enjoyed spending winters in Arizona after he retired, and the friends he made there.

Gene is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marsha; his daughters, Lea (Brad) Huiner, Courtney (Ryan) VanderVeen, and Hillary (Chaz) Black; six adored grandchildren, Zachary, Travis, Sloane, Lincoln, Lucy and Melanie; his step-mother, Joyce Fredrickson; his sister Judy (Tony) Plews; his step-brother, Dr. Ward (Barb) Fredrickson; and step-sister, Darla (Loren) Wester.

Gene was looking forward to being released from his earthly body and reunited with his parents and his son, Zachary Gene. He loved and lived by this quote, "The uncertainty of my condition is only physical." He was deeply concerned for those around him who didn't know the Lord in a personal way. He was sure of eternity awaiting him and is no doubt dancing and singing praises to his risen Savior.

A Celebration Memorial service will be held on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Highpoint Church Wheaton Campus (formerly First Baptist Church of Wheaton), 1310 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will be private.

One of Gene's wishes was to donate his brain and spinal cord for MS research. He would be pleased that The Rocky Mountain MS Tissue Bank has fulfilled his desire and his gift will serve others who battle MS.

Memorial Gifts may be directed to:

Rocky Mountain MS Tissue Bank
8845 Wagner Street
Westminster, CO 80031

Willow Creek Wheaton
67 East Algonquin Rd
South Barrington, IL 60010