Eugene George Schaening

Eugene George Schaening passed away at his home on December 2, 2015 at the age of 95. Eugene was born in Detroit, the son of George and Lottie ( Stanow ) Schaening. He attended schools in Detroit ending his education at Southeastern High School. While in school he sold magazines, Colliers, American and Women's Home Companion. He also had a paper route on Saturday delivering the " Bull Dog " editions of the Detroit News and the Detroit Times. After finishing his education, Gene went to work for Whitman Barnes Company, a machine parts manufacturer where he worked in various departments, including shipping and salvage. While attending a roller rink in Detroit he met a young lady, Pearl Sill, who on August 16, 1941 became his wife. The newly weds made their first home in Detroit and later moved to Harper Woods, In 1944, Gene entered the United States Army and served with the rank of a corporal as a MP at Fort Lewis in Washington state. After receiving his discharge, Gene continued working for Whitman Barnes and in 1950 the company moved to Plymouth and so did Gene and his family. Their home was small but on a fairly large lot and eventually a larger home was erected. His company moved South and Gene became " semi-retired " working for Jay Tool and Quality Screw until he fully retired in 1988. In their retirement years the couple enjoyed traveling, going to Florida and also Alaska. In 1999 they traveled by train to the Grand Canyon. Gene in his spare time enjoyed stamp and coin collecting. He was also interested in flight, building kites and model airplanes. Photography was another interest and in one home he had his own dark room. The family were active members of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Plymouth. After his retirement he enjoyed working with his wife in the garden, producing crops which they canned together. Gene was especially proud of his tomatoes. In June of this year, Gene lost the love his life, his wife Pearl. He is survived by his daughters Carol Schwartz and Judith ( Craig - " Kip " ) Tolles. His son Lawrence preceded him in death. Gene was also the proud grandfather of a multitude of grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Gene is also survived by his sister Betty Weidenbach, his brother Donald Schaening, and his sister-in-law Della Schaening. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 7th, from 2 pm until 9 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will be conducted by the Reverend Paul Schaeffer at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1343 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth on Tuesday at 11 am. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the service begins. Later he will be laid to rest beside his wife at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Mt. Clemens. Contributions are suggested to the church.