Eugene Whelton

Eugene "Gene" Dale Whelton Freeland, Michigan Gene was called to be with his Lord on February 12, 2018. He was born on December 19, 1924 in the home of his late parents John and Lillian Whelton on Dice Road, Freeland. Gene attended Dice School and graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill Trade School. He served his country from 1943-1945 in the 106th Division of the US Army. He was captured on Dec. 17, 1944 in the Battle of the Bulge and was liberated on May 1, 1945. He was awarded the order of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his service. Gene returned home and married the love of his life, Gladys E. Schmidt on August 5, 1945. Gene worked for Weineke Ford and for Vernors Distributing before finding the job he loved and would keep for the rest of his life, operating heavy equipment. He joined the International Union of Operating Engineers in June of 1952 and has been a member for almost 66 years. Gene was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hemlock; St. Peters Mens Club; the Lutheran Laymens League holding offices in all three. He was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion. He enjoyed teaching Snowmobile Safety for the 4-H and helped with other 4-H instructional classes. Gene is survived by wife of 72 years, Gladys, his son Gregory and wife Lisa (Sheboygan, WI), his daughter-in-law Jody Whelton (Freeland) and 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his son Grant; his brothers and sister-in-law Gerald and Dorothy Whelton, Kenneth Whelton, his brothers and sisters-in-law Tyrone and Marge Ritter, Wesley and Elaine Schmidt, and his grandson Jared. Funeral service will take place at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at W.L. Case and Company, 201 N. Miller Road. Rev Dr. William L. Morris will officiate. A time of visitation for friends and family will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Peter Lutheran School.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609