Eugene “Gene” Homer Koontz, 91, of Union Mills, Ind., passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
He was born March 26, 1930, in Westville, Ind., to George and Pearl (Barnes) Koontz.
Gene attended Westville High School. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a sheet metal worker for over 30 years. He was a coach for the Union Mills Little League for 14 years and served as an officer of the league. Gene and his wife, Marlene, traveled the countryside in their remaining years, following their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities.
After his military service, Gene started his lifelong love of flying. He eventually earned his institutional pilot’s license and introduced his family and many others to the joys of flying airplanes. He continued his passion for aviation by flying model airplanes with his sons throughout his later years. Gene was an inventive and intelligent person who always took care of his family.
On Oct. 27, 1951, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Jean Janisch, who preceded him in death on Nov. 17, 2020. Gene and Marlene were married 69 years.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Darlene Koontz; son-in-law, Robert Aubin; and sisters, May Rhoda and Mary Hill.
Gene is survived by his children, Teri Lee Aubin of La Porte, Jim Koontz of Hanna, Ind., Jeff (Kelly) Koontz of Union Mills and Steve (Maria) Koontz of Hanna; 10 grandchildren, William, Gregory, Craig, Stanley, Matt, Adam, Ryan, Kyle, Alexandria, and Nicholas; several great-grandchildren; and his sister, Elizabeth Pike.
Cremation has taken place. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, Ind., is handling arrangements.
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