Date of Death: October 20, 2022
Service Details
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Phil Webb officiating.
Obituary Notice
Eugene Lawrence “Gene” Brundige, 82, of Colon, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Vibrant Life Senior Living in Kalamazoo.
He was born March 3, 1940 in Three Rivers, the son of Harold H. and Margarete (Genschel) Brundige, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1958. In 1979 he moved to Schoolcraft, where he lived until retiring to Palmer Lake in Colon.
A draftsman by trade, Gene worked many years for Johnson Corporation and later for FEMA, from which he retired after a decade. He loved designing, tinkering, and making things.
On February 1, 1980, he married Kathryn Swanwick. High school sweethearts who went their separate ways, they were reunited years later after an encounter at a gas station in which his brother asked her if she was single. The couple shared 42 years together, with travel a favorite activity – whether taking family Disney vacations, traversing America in a motor home, or the highlight of their adventures, visiting Australia.
A tremendous Michigan State Spartan fan, Gene enjoyed living on the lake, boating, and camping. When his daughters were younger, he was active in their 4-H horse program. As grandchildren came along, he became a full-time grandpa – always on call and willing to help. He had a sweet personality and a wonderful sense of humor.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife; daughters, Shelley (Marty) Wegner, Jill Brundige, Lorrie Brundige, and Sarah (David) Aviles; grandchildren, Emily (Brendon) Phelan, Brent Wegner, Eric Wegner, Mandy (Adam) Zywicki, and Mitch Noonan; a large extended family.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
Additional Information
Donations in Gene’s memory may be directed to the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Kathryn and family,
So very sorry for your loss! You all are in my prayers at this time. May the Lord give you comfort that only He can give.
Jill, Lorrie, So sorry for your loss, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers
Jeff
Dear Kathryn and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Gene was a wonderful man and we enjoyed seeing him when we were at family affairs in Centreville. Please know that our prayers are with you .
Calvin and Barbara Fletcher
Condolences to Kathryn and the rest of the Family; I worked with Gene at the Greater Kalamazoo Auction for a few years. and of course i remember Kathryn when she lived in Three Rivers when we were youngsters.
My sincere condolences to Kathryn and her family. I worked with Gene for many years at The Johnson Corporation and considered him a friend as well as a co-worker. He certainly will be missed by everyone who knew him. May God surround you with His Peace, love and comfort.
Judy Gilchrist-Mohney, Stayton, Oregon
Kathy and Gene’s family
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Gene. I will not be able to attend the service
but want you to know I will be thinking of you at this time.