Eugene J Brzek

The Grand Patriarch of the Brzek family, Gene Brzek passed away on Nov 24th 2021. Loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather brother and uncle.

His nephew Joe Lathrop put it so well, “Gene had the biggest smile and the best laugh. He had the biggest energy in the room kind of guy. Gene was truly a great man and was loved by all.”

Gene grew up in Chicago. As a youth he attended ball games at the original Wrigley’s field and he attended live stage performances by well known entertainers, and loved to swim in lake Michigan.

He was inducted into the US Marine Corp, in Chicago, IL in 1952. He was expecting order to serve his country overseas, and instead was stationed at the Naval Ordinance Plant in Pocatello. It was while serving in Pocatello he met his loving wife Dorothy Call. Gene and Dorothy began their beautiful journey together, and were married a few short years later in 1954. Gene served his country for 8 years and was discharged in 1960.

Gene was a jack of all trades. He was a musician, mechanic, carpenter and a general all around handyman. Gene was employed by Kraft Foods for over 33 years. He started at the old plant on Kraft Rd until the new plant on Quinn Rd. was built. He respected the many co-workers he worked with over the years. He valued his many friendships from these years. Upon retiring, he worked for Steve Rhoads, Rhoads Inc. helping out with anything needed. Many more lasting relationships were formed.

Gene enjoyed making memories with his family and friends. He was always a man of his word and would be there for anyone if ever called upon. Gene was a man with many stories, jokes and all the advice you could ever need. He loved spending time with his great grandsons, and always looked forward to seeing his girls (granddaughters). He could tell you stories for days, and always, make you laugh. Gene’s laugh was the one that nobody will ever forget. His great grandson Hunter recalls the memories of their rides out to the airport to watch the planes take off, while listening to Johnny Cash on the radio. Gramps loved listening to Hunter play the guitar and sing Johnny Cash tunes. Hunter loved hearing stories of Gramps adventures growing up in Chicago.

Gene looked forward to the annual camping trips to Stanley Lake. He and his wife Dorothy started the annual vacation with their young family in 1960 and have continued the tradition with their growing family ever since. Brooke, and her husband Kenny, have taken the roll of planning the annual vacation just as her grandfather would have liked it. He was very grateful he was able to see his youngest great-grandson, his name sake, Oliver Eugene be born. He cherished the 5 years he was able to spend with him before he had to leave us.

Birthdays, and Holidays, or just family gatherings were such special times and were always celebrated together. Gene always looked forward to those days of celebration. Although he left us the day before Thanksgiving, we spent this Thanksgiving 2021 in honor of his memory. He was an amazing man who will always be remembered by many, and loved so much by his family. We will miss him dearly, but he will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, of 67 years, son Brad Brzek, daughter Gina Brzek Nevins granddaughter Brooke(Kenny) Corsi, Amber Brzek, great grandsons, Hunter Hancock and Oliver Corsi, a Sister, Barbara Lathrop, nephew Joe (Sheri) Lathrop, and niece Carol Gadowski Porter. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Helen Brzek, and sister Delores Gaidowski.

At Eugene's request no public services will be held. Private family services will be held at a later date.

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