Eugene "Gene" M. Chownyk

Eugene “Gene” Chownyk, 86 years young, passed away on Sunday, August 2nd. His wife, six kids, their spouses, bunches of grandkids and great grandkids are listed below. More importantly than “who” he left behind, is the legacy he left behind.

Gene was the consummate Good Samaritan and fixer of things. Always good with his hands (and a tool or two or three or more), he could puzzle out how to fix almost anything. Gene loved his family and helping others. In fact nothing gave him greater purpose than a good “rescue mission”. Time, location, or personal sacrifice were insignificant when it came to solving someone’s problems. You could always count on Gene to help you out! And many people did. He was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul, picked up food from the Gleaners for the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, and was often called upon to pick up furniture and donations for the annual Sacred Heart Rummage sale. He was also “blessed” with the unusual blood type of O negative, and over the years donated countless gallons of blood, until his illness prevented it any longer. So he did truly give of himself!

As a young family man, Gene worked with his father at Stecker Paper Box, a paper box factory, located in Detroit. During his 24 years there he rose to the position of factory superintendent and even allowed some of his children the pleasure of working as factory line workers there (none of whom decided to make it a lifetime career!) When the factory changed ownership, he took a management position with Stock Brothers, and later with Rayco, where he eventually retired.

Gene also loved hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin up north. The great outdoors was truly his playground, and he enjoyed tromping through the woods up north, as well as tending his Roseville backyard garden and any other fix-it projects he could find outside.

Most of all, Gene loved his family. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Patricia Chownyk, children Robert (Gerie), Beverly Bishop, Barbara Cervantes, Richard (Sandy), Ronald (Jane), and Mark (Lana Mini). Grandkids & Step grandkids include Robert (Angela) Sloan, Jesse (Julie) Kershaw, Rob (Haley) Kershaw, Holly (Greg) Kershaw, Jennifer (Joe) Brandt, Danielle (Aaron) Weller, Christine (Darik) Collier, Michael (Julie) Florindi, Mandy McQuary, and honorary grandkid, Andy Farrah. There are also 6 great grandkids (Caitlin Sloan, Hunter Fritts, Fiona Collier, Calvin Kershaw, Casper Kershaw, Cash Kershaw (and one on the way.)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Roseville Historical Society, or the Roseville Library. And if you’d like to truly honor Gene, we encourage you to follow his example by helping out others through your own sacrifice, donate blood if you’re able, and above all – love and cherish your family and friends!

For all the kindnesses, visits, prayers, and food that came from all over during his illness, the family expresses their warmest gratitude.

Please share a memory of Gene at his online guest book.