Eugene (“Gene”) John Blaes passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 101. Born on September 22, 1924 in Mascoutah, Illinois, Gene settled in Chattanooga in 1965 by way of the CSX Railroad, where he retired as a Division Sales Manager after 43 years with the Company.
Gene lived a life of service. Before and after his retirement, he was active with charitable organizations in the Chattanooga area, including the Ladies of Charity, Meals on Wheels, the Chattanooga Food Bank, and serving as the eucharistic minister, usher and lector at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH). Always a competitor, Gene was an avid supporter and participant in the Senior Olympics, earning numerous gold medals in volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.
Known to many in recent years as “Poppy,” he took great joy in organizing workouts and games with his friends at The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe. Poppy shared much gratitude for his friends and caregivers at The Rosewood for their kindness, friendship, and love.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Joan (2010), and his siblings, 3 sisters and 1 brother in Belleville, IL.
Gene is survived by his sons Tim (Mikki), Chris (Jana), Adam (Donna) and his daughter Julie (Kurt), as well as 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom he considered the joy of life that kept him “in the game” for so long.
Gene’s Service will be held Friday, September 4th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at OLPH Catholic Church. Internment Service will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions can be directed to OLPH Catholic School Annual Fund or Notre Dame High School Annual Fund.
Please share your thoughts and memories online with the family of Gene at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com
Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements.
