Eugene F. “Gene” Smith, 83 of Pekin passed away surrounded by family at 10:40 pm, Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Pekin Manor.
He was born to Alexander and Catherine (Kittner) Smith in Honesdale, PA on May 8, 1940. He married Ingrid Baecker on July 29, 1961 in Germany.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Jimmy, Leo and Glen David Smith.
He is survived by; the love of his life, his wife Ingrid; one son, Rodney Smith of San Jose, Ca; one daughter, Brenda (Floyd) Akins of Columbus, OH; three grandchildren, Gabriel, Nina and Tyler; two brothers, Wayne and Alex Smith, both of Honesdale, PA; and one sister Kathleen Dougher of Honesdale,PA.
Gene worked as a supervisor for Caterpillar for 35 years retiring in 2002. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Gene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Bank and at Pekin Hospital. Gene enjoyed gardening, running and hiking. He ran in five marathons and hiked Appalachian Trail and the Grand Canyon. He collected Pedal Cars. Gene treasured his family, and was a proud grandpa.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. Joseph Church, 303 S. 7th in Pekin with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant. A visitation will be held one hour prior from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, also at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Honesdale, PA.
Memorial may be made in Gene’s name to the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Pekin.
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