Eugene "Gene" D. Heyse, Sr.

Eugene “Gene” D. Heyse Sr., 91, passed away on December 15, 2024, at Elkhart Meadows. He was born on December 22, 1932 in South Bend, IN. 

Surviving are four children, Eugene (Deena) Heyse Jr., Ron (Ronda) Heyse, Kandi Ecklebarger, Lynda Heyse Wiegand, and five grandchildren, Jarrod, Elyse, Ariel, Ryan, and Travis (Janell). Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren: Taylor, Autry, Beau, Rylan, Harper, Tobias, Kendall, and Kamden.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, George Heyse Sr.; mother, Martha Heyse-Wroblewski; stepfather, Frank Wroblewski; and five siblings, Ernie Heyse, Edwin Heyse, Dorothy Tompos, George Heyse Jr., and Casey Wroblewski.

Gene was a proud U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, who while serving drove a Sherman M4A3E8 tank and was a member of the Honor Guard. He worked at Torrington Bearing Company for over 22 years and was a member of the YMCA. Gene also enjoyed making wine, growing grapes, flying, going to airplane shows, disco dancing, mowing the lawn, fishing, photography and traveling to many places around the world. He was a great pool man that took care of Park Jefferson pool, Castle Point pool and the pool at the YMCA.  Most importantly, he was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Per his wishes, cremation will take place, and a celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Elkhart County Humane Society.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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