Gene F. Tabaka

Eugene F. Tabaka passed away this week on Sunday June 27th at 11:15am after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. Gene was the son of Sophia Theresa Kuczajda and was born on June 16, 1939 in Detroit and lived in a small town in Michigan. He had a humble childhood and joined the Air Force at age 18. Gene married Barbara Gandy and had four wonderful children, Tammy Lin, Debra Ann, Cindy Lou and Mark Lee. After living in Oklahoma and Kansas City, the Tabaka family moved to Arizona in 1968. Gene started his own printing business in the early 1970’s and was still printing almost until the day he joined God in Heaven. Gene loved to golf and had 4 holes in one to his credit. When not on the golf course, Gene loved to travel with his family and friends. In the early 1980’s, Gene found another love in a new boat and spent many hours on the water.

Gene and Barbara raised their four children while living in Tempe, Arizona. Gene gave away Debbie first. Debbie has a beautiful daughter Brandy. Brandy later would have two children, Dakotah and Alexia. Brandy would then marry Paul Allison. Cindy was next to the altar. Cindy married Daryl Albro and have two sons, Kyle and Kendall. Gene’s newest son-in-law, Daryl is also a golfer and spent many hours on the course with Gene. Gene gave away Tammy next. Tammy has two children, Jacob and Sarah. Jacob and his wife Shannon have a son, Kaleb. Gene’s only son Mark has two children, Justin and Taylor. Mark became a very good golfer, was Gene’s regular partner and his best friend.

Later Gene remarried Carol Utley and lived in Chandler Arizona. Gene helped Carol raise her two daughters, Cheryl and Shawna as his own. Cheryl has a wonderful daughter Brittney. When Shawna married Jeffery Van Norman, Gene not only had a new son-in-law but, another golfing partner. Shawna and Jeff have three precious children, Trenton, Kennedy and Reagan. Gene continued his love of travel with Carol. They would vacation on cruise ships and visited Europe. Gene and Carol would also spend many long weekends with Shawna, Jeff and their children at the family cabin in northern Arizona.

Gene is also survived by his brother Johnny Kuczajda, his Aunt Frances, Uncle Eddie and cousins Loraine, Kathy, Faye, Michael. Gene believed family was the most important part of life and cherished his four children, two step children, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and his two sons-in-law.Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.