Gene is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marie; children Mary Anne (Joe) Lange, Barb (Larry) Smith, John (Brian Topolewski) Borek, Chuck Borek and Lori Borek, grandchildren; Tom, Mark, Bill, Tim and Rob Lange, Erin Smith, Beverly Koch, Brian and Nick Borek, Leanne Stiles, Kurt and Kirsten Borek; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Also survived by his sister-in-law Ruth Borek, many nieces and nephews and many friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Katherine Borek, son Jim Borek and brothers Bernie, George, Vic and Joe, in-laws Ed and Anna Edgerle and brother-in-law Tom Edgerle.
Gene grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids and attended St. Adalbert grade school and Davis Tech High School before enlisting in the army. He was a proud WWII veteran, having been wounded twice, receiving two purple hearts, the bronze star and many other service medals. He married his sweetheart Marie Edgerle when returning from the war and together they raised six children.
He worked many different jobs, including being a movie projectionist, but on the side he was a TV repairman for many, many years. Eventually he found his way backstage and worked for a number of years as a spotlight operator and stagehand at the Civic Auditorium and DeVos Hall. He was a proud member of Local 26, serving for many years as the business agent.
A big sports fan, Gene loved following the Tigers, Lions, Redwings and Pistons, but most especially Notre Dame football. He was a longtime active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Visitation for Gene will take place on Sunday March 25 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at Reyers North Valley Chapel funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 26 with a visitation time at 10 a.m. until the time of mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blessed Sacrament Church.
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