Eugene D. Hamaker, 87, of Marshall, Michigan died Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Gene was a true marvel of science, who kept a multitude of doctors and caregivers very busy, and insurance companies wringing their hands for many, many years. His sense of humor, loving spirit and "objective" opinions will be sorely missed by his loving family, understanding friends, and unbelievably kind neighbors.
He was born on March 25, 1932, on the family farm in Homer, Michigan (allegedly on the kitchen table) at the height of the Great Depression, the same day his father lost his job at a local foundry. He was greeted by his parents Kermit and Alma (Wydendorf) Hamaker, older brother Laverne, and his Grandfather William and beloved Grandmother Annie Hamaker. When Gene was seven, the family moved to a farm in Marshall Township complete with stately elm trees, acreage and barns for their multitude of livestock, including champion beef cattle. It was there that brother Ronald, joined the family. Gene attended Conley School with his brothers and neighbors, many of whom, like Gene, would live in the township their entire lives. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1950 where he served as a Class Officer. He graduated from the University of Michigan in May of 1954, and married "the love of his life", Alice, whom he had met in high school when he noticed her "beautiful legs", a month later. He then served as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1958. At that time, he and Alice returned to the Marshall community where they lived, worked and contributed to their community for over 60 years and raised three daughters.
During his time in high school, he had a few accomplishments that he mentioned from time to time. He was the 4H state champion in public speaking and had the 4H state champion steer, but none was as sweet as when Alice accepted his invitation to go to the Redskins football game in 1947. At UofM, he was active in his Sigma Nu fraternity and learned a multitude of drinking songs that he shared with his grandchildren in years to come.
After the service, he joined his family in the foundry business. For 40 years he loved working for Midwest Metallurgical Laboratories in sales, metallurgy and eventually as President. With alloy patents developed alongside metallurgists from Case Western Reserve University under his belt, he enjoyed the foundry camaraderie serving as a board member and eventually president of the Michigan Foundryman's Association, Central Michigan Chapter of the American Foundryman's Society, and Southwest Michigan Foundry Management Association. He was named the outstanding foundry manager of Central Michigan and was a former member of the Governor's Small Business Committee.
He loved the people of his community and showed it by serving 30 years on the Board of Directors of Oaklawn Hospital, 30 years on the Board of Directors of Chemical Bank of Marshall, and 30 years on the Board of Directors of Kellogg Community College. He also served as Chairman of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Michigan State Chamber of Commerce. He rounded that out with many years as Marshall Township Supervisor, including the 2017 dedication of the Eugene D. Hamaker meeting room at the township hall in his honor.
Gene loved his neighbors, friends and caregivers who gave so much to keep him alive, laughing, and pontificating to the end. His much adored neighbor, John Munsie, provided him with many miles of fellowship and bantering as John selflessly transported Gene to dialysis in the pre dawn hours year after year. Paul Ohm, a dear friend he came to see as a much loved brother, was always up to the task of debating Gene on all the world's problems. Bob Lyng, a true road warrior, kept spirits up in Gene's last years of life as he traveled from doctor to doctor. And, thank God for Ramona Benham, the caregiving world champion, who kept his life running smoothly for 8 years and for Sharon Robinson for her cheerful disposition kind heart, and yummy baked goods, which made even the worst of days bearable.
Gene was a real family man. He adored his wife, Alice, and his 3 girls. He treasured his grandchildren, Brad Curtis (Anna), Megan Curtis, Ian Blodger (Tory), Audrey Blodger, Ben Williams, Anna Williams, and Cerria Makielski, and his 3 great-grandchildren, Helen and Michael Curtis and Eloise Beeney. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice, daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Curtis of Williamston, Karen (Mark) Blodger of Lowell, and Janet (Jeffrey) Williams of Ada; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, sister-in-laws Freda Hamaker and Midge Hamaker, and many beloved nieces and and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers Laverne and Ronald.
Family will gather with friends on Friday January 24, 2020 from 5PM-7PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall MI 49068, and again on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 11AM-1PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a memorial service celebrating his life taking place at 1PM, with Reverend James Codde officiating. Family will gather with friends following the memorial service in the Kempf Family Funeral Home Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the Fountain Clinic (https://www.fountainclinic.org/).
Gene was a true marvel of science, who kept a multitude of doctors and caregivers very busy, and insurance companies wringing their hands for many, many years. His sense of humor, loving spirit and "objective" opinions will be sorely missed by his loving family, understanding friends, and unbelievably kind neighbors.
He was born on March 25, 1932, on the family farm in Homer, Michigan (allegedly on the kitchen table) at the height of the Great Depression, the same day his father lost his job at a local foundry. He was greeted by his parents Kermit and Alma (Wydendorf) Hamaker, older brother Laverne, and his Grandfather William and beloved Grandmother Annie Hamaker. When Gene was seven, the family moved to a farm in Marshall Township complete with stately elm trees, acreage and barns for their multitude of livestock, including champion beef cattle. It was there that brother Ronald, joined the family. Gene attended Conley School with his brothers and neighbors, many of whom, like Gene, would live in the township their entire lives. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1950 where he served as a Class Officer. He graduated from the University of Michigan in May of 1954, and married "the love of his life", Alice, whom he had met in high school when he noticed her "beautiful legs", a month later. He then served as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1958. At that time, he and Alice returned to the Marshall community where they lived, worked and contributed to their community for over 60 years and raised three daughters.
During his time in high school, he had a few accomplishments that he mentioned from time to time. He was the 4H state champion in public speaking and had the 4H state champion steer, but none was as sweet as when Alice accepted his invitation to go to the Redskins football game in 1947. At UofM, he was active in his Sigma Nu fraternity and learned a multitude of drinking songs that he shared with his grandchildren in years to come.
After the service, he joined his family in the foundry business. For 40 years he loved working for Midwest Metallurgical Laboratories in sales, metallurgy and eventually as President. With alloy patents developed alongside metallurgists from Case Western Reserve University under his belt, he enjoyed the foundry camaraderie serving as a board member and eventually president of the Michigan Foundryman's Association, Central Michigan Chapter of the American Foundryman's Society, and Southwest Michigan Foundry Management Association. He was named the outstanding foundry manager of Central Michigan and was a former member of the Governor's Small Business Committee.
He loved the people of his community and showed it by serving 30 years on the Board of Directors of Oaklawn Hospital, 30 years on the Board of Directors of Chemical Bank of Marshall, and 30 years on the Board of Directors of Kellogg Community College. He also served as Chairman of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Michigan State Chamber of Commerce. He rounded that out with many years as Marshall Township Supervisor, including the 2017 dedication of the Eugene D. Hamaker meeting room at the township hall in his honor.
Gene loved his neighbors, friends and caregivers who gave so much to keep him alive, laughing, and pontificating to the end. His much adored neighbor, John Munsie, provided him with many miles of fellowship and bantering as John selflessly transported Gene to dialysis in the pre dawn hours year after year. Paul Ohm, a dear friend he came to see as a much loved brother, was always up to the task of debating Gene on all the world's problems. Bob Lyng, a true road warrior, kept spirits up in Gene's last years of life as he traveled from doctor to doctor. And, thank God for Ramona Benham, the caregiving world champion, who kept his life running smoothly for 8 years and for Sharon Robinson for her cheerful disposition kind heart, and yummy baked goods, which made even the worst of days bearable.
Gene was a real family man. He adored his wife, Alice, and his 3 girls. He treasured his grandchildren, Brad Curtis (Anna), Megan Curtis, Ian Blodger (Tory), Audrey Blodger, Ben Williams, Anna Williams, and Cerria Makielski, and his 3 great-grandchildren, Helen and Michael Curtis and Eloise Beeney. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice, daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Curtis of Williamston, Karen (Mark) Blodger of Lowell, and Janet (Jeffrey) Williams of Ada; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, sister-in-laws Freda Hamaker and Midge Hamaker, and many beloved nieces and and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers Laverne and Ronald.
Family will gather with friends on Friday January 24, 2020 from 5PM-7PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall MI 49068, and again on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 11AM-1PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a memorial service celebrating his life taking place at 1PM, with Reverend James Codde officiating. Family will gather with friends following the memorial service in the Kempf Family Funeral Home Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the Fountain Clinic (https://www.fountainclinic.org/).
Eugene D. Hamaker, 87, of Marshall, Michigan died Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Gene was a true marvel of science, who kept a multitude of doctors and caregivers very busy, and insurance companies wringing their hands for many, many years. His sense of humor, loving spirit and "objective" opinions will be sorely missed by his loving family, understanding friends, and unbelievably kind neighbors.
He was born on March 25, 1932, on the family farm in Homer, Michigan (allegedly on the kitchen table) at the height of the Great Depression, the same day his father lost his job at a local foundry. He was greeted by his parents Kermit and Alma (Wydendorf) Hamaker, older brother Laverne, and his Grandfather William and beloved Grandmother Annie Hamaker. When Gene was seven, the family moved to a farm in Marshall Township complete with stately elm trees, acreage and barns for their multitude of livestock, including champion beef cattle. It was there that brother Ronald, joined the family. Gene attended Conley School with his brothers and neighbors, many of whom, like Gene, would live in the township their entire lives. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1950 where he served as a Class Officer. He graduated from the University of Michigan in May of 1954, and married "the love of his life", Alice, whom he had met in high school when he noticed her "beautiful legs", a month later. He then served as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1958. At that time, he and Alice returned to the Marshall community where they lived, worked and contributed to their community for over 60 years and raised three daughters.
During his time in high school, he had a few accomplishments that he mentioned from time to time. He was the 4H state champion in public speaking and had the 4H state champion steer, but none was as sweet as when Alice accepted his invitation to go to the Redskins football game in 1947. At UofM, he was active in his Sigma Nu fraternity and learned a multitude of drinking songs that he shared with his grandchildren in years to come.
After the service, he joined his family in the foundry business. For 40 years he loved working for Midwest Metallurgical Laboratories in sales, metallurgy and eventually as President. With alloy patents developed alongside metallurgists from Case Western Reserve University under his belt, he enjoyed the foundry camaraderie serving as a board member and eventually president of the Michigan Foundryman's Association, Central Michigan Chapter of the American Foundryman's Society, and Southwest Michigan Foundry Management Association. He was named the outstanding foundry manager of Central Michigan and was a former member of the Governor's Small Business Committee.
He loved the people of his community and showed it by serving 30 years on the Board of Directors of Oaklawn Hospital, 30 years on the Board of Directors of Chemical Bank of Marshall, and 30 years on the Board of Directors of Kellogg Community College. He also served as Chairman of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Michigan State Chamber of Commerce. He rounded that out with many years as Marshall Township Supervisor, including the 2017 dedication of the Eugene D. Hamaker meeting room at the township hall in his honor.
Gene loved his neighbors, friends and caregivers who gave so much to keep him alive, laughing, and pontificating to the end. His much adored neighbor, John Munsie, provided him with many miles of fellowship and bantering as John selflessly transported Gene to dialysis in the pre dawn hours year after year. Paul Ohm, a dear friend he came to see as a much loved brother, was always up to the task of debating Gene on all the world's problems. Bob Lyng, a true road warrior, kept spirits up in Gene's last years of life as he traveled from doctor to doctor. And, thank God for Ramona Benham, the caregiving world champion, who kept his life running smoothly for 8 years and for Sharon Robinson for her cheerful disposition kind heart, and yummy baked goods, which made even the worst of days bearable.
Gene was a real family man. He adored his wife, Alice, and his 3 girls. He treasured his grandchildren, Brad Curtis (Anna), Megan Curtis, Ian Blodger (Tory), Audrey Blodger, Ben Williams, Anna Williams, and Cerria Makielski, and his 3 great-grandchildren, Helen and Michael Curtis and Eloise Beeney. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice, daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Curtis of Williamston, Karen (Mark) Blodger of Lowell, and Janet (Jeffrey) Williams of Ada; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, sister-in-laws Freda Hamaker and Midge Hamaker, and many beloved nieces and and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers Laverne and Ronald.
Family will gather with friends on Friday January 24, 2020 from 5PM-7PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall MI 49068, and again on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 11AM-1PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a memorial service celebrating his life taking place at 1PM, with Reverend James Codde officiating. Family will gather with friends following the memorial service in the Kempf Family Funeral Home Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the Fountain Clinic (https://www.fountainclinic.org/).
Gene was a true marvel of science, who kept a multitude of doctors and caregivers very busy, and insurance companies wringing their hands for many, many years. His sense of humor, loving spirit and "objective" opinions will be sorely missed by his loving family, understanding friends, and unbelievably kind neighbors.
He was born on March 25, 1932, on the family farm in Homer, Michigan (allegedly on the kitchen table) at the height of the Great Depression, the same day his father lost his job at a local foundry. He was greeted by his parents Kermit and Alma (Wydendorf) Hamaker, older brother Laverne, and his Grandfather William and beloved Grandmother Annie Hamaker. When Gene was seven, the family moved to a farm in Marshall Township complete with stately elm trees, acreage and barns for their multitude of livestock, including champion beef cattle. It was there that brother Ronald, joined the family. Gene attended Conley School with his brothers and neighbors, many of whom, like Gene, would live in the township their entire lives. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1950 where he served as a Class Officer. He graduated from the University of Michigan in May of 1954, and married "the love of his life", Alice, whom he had met in high school when he noticed her "beautiful legs", a month later. He then served as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1958. At that time, he and Alice returned to the Marshall community where they lived, worked and contributed to their community for over 60 years and raised three daughters.
During his time in high school, he had a few accomplishments that he mentioned from time to time. He was the 4H state champion in public speaking and had the 4H state champion steer, but none was as sweet as when Alice accepted his invitation to go to the Redskins football game in 1947. At UofM, he was active in his Sigma Nu fraternity and learned a multitude of drinking songs that he shared with his grandchildren in years to come.
After the service, he joined his family in the foundry business. For 40 years he loved working for Midwest Metallurgical Laboratories in sales, metallurgy and eventually as President. With alloy patents developed alongside metallurgists from Case Western Reserve University under his belt, he enjoyed the foundry camaraderie serving as a board member and eventually president of the Michigan Foundryman's Association, Central Michigan Chapter of the American Foundryman's Society, and Southwest Michigan Foundry Management Association. He was named the outstanding foundry manager of Central Michigan and was a former member of the Governor's Small Business Committee.
He loved the people of his community and showed it by serving 30 years on the Board of Directors of Oaklawn Hospital, 30 years on the Board of Directors of Chemical Bank of Marshall, and 30 years on the Board of Directors of Kellogg Community College. He also served as Chairman of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Michigan State Chamber of Commerce. He rounded that out with many years as Marshall Township Supervisor, including the 2017 dedication of the Eugene D. Hamaker meeting room at the township hall in his honor.
Gene loved his neighbors, friends and caregivers who gave so much to keep him alive, laughing, and pontificating to the end. His much adored neighbor, John Munsie, provided him with many miles of fellowship and bantering as John selflessly transported Gene to dialysis in the pre dawn hours year after year. Paul Ohm, a dear friend he came to see as a much loved brother, was always up to the task of debating Gene on all the world's problems. Bob Lyng, a true road warrior, kept spirits up in Gene's last years of life as he traveled from doctor to doctor. And, thank God for Ramona Benham, the caregiving world champion, who kept his life running smoothly for 8 years and for Sharon Robinson for her cheerful disposition kind heart, and yummy baked goods, which made even the worst of days bearable.
Gene was a real family man. He adored his wife, Alice, and his 3 girls. He treasured his grandchildren, Brad Curtis (Anna), Megan Curtis, Ian Blodger (Tory), Audrey Blodger, Ben Williams, Anna Williams, and Cerria Makielski, and his 3 great-grandchildren, Helen and Michael Curtis and Eloise Beeney. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice, daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Curtis of Williamston, Karen (Mark) Blodger of Lowell, and Janet (Jeffrey) Williams of Ada; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, sister-in-laws Freda Hamaker and Midge Hamaker, and many beloved nieces and and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers Laverne and Ronald.
Family will gather with friends on Friday January 24, 2020 from 5PM-7PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall MI 49068, and again on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 11AM-1PM at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a memorial service celebrating his life taking place at 1PM, with Reverend James Codde officiating. Family will gather with friends following the memorial service in the Kempf Family Funeral Home Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the Fountain Clinic (https://www.fountainclinic.org/).
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