Gene J. Hart

Gene J. Hart was a man of few words. Throughout his life, he let his actions speak for him, quietly caring for those he loved. Those actions provided an abundance of comfort and security to his family. His needs were few; it was enough that he had a comfortable home and loving family. 1925 found the country smack in the middle of the Roaring Twenties, a time of excitement and energy in the United States. Gene came into this world on October 9, 1925, the firstborn child of Gene and Grace (King) Hart. He was born at home in Twin Lake, Michigan, followed soon by a sister, Natalie. Grace was left to raise her children alone when Gene was just six years old. The family was poor and Grace worked as a waitress and took in ironing to make ends meet. They lived in a Land Grant Homestead, built in the late 1800s. The home was a log cabin that was moved from its original location to Fifth Street in Twin Lake, where it remains today. After Graces death, the house remained in the family and provided a home for three of Genes children at different times. At an early age, Gene worked to help support his mother and sister. While still attending Holton High School, he road his bicycle from Twin Lake to Lakewood to work as a pinsetter in a bowling alley. However, he still found time for friends and was known to be somewhat of a prankster. After graduating in 1942, Gene joined the war effort and enlisted in the U.S. Marines, proudly serving his country during World War II. After returning from overseas, he found work at General Telephone and Electronics in Muskegon. Meanwhile, he attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and eventually became a Network Engineer at GTE headquarters on Ellis Road. Gene remained a bachelor for quite some time. Then, at age 36, he met the love of his life, Laura Fowler. After a brief courtship, they were happily married on August 30, 1962, and Gene took on his ready made family the same way he took on all of life, making them his own. A year later, Gene and Laura were blessed with a fourth child, Michael. The family moved into a modest home on Twin Lake and began to establish a small bit of paradise. The home became the source of many wonderful memories. Summers meant nightly bonfires, days of swimming, fishing and picnics at the island, while winters were spent sledding, ice skating and ice fishing. Gene especially enjoyed a good game of checkers, probably because he nearly always won! In his early thirties, Gene suffered a back injury. After several surgeries, he was left with a permanent disability and frequent pain, yet continued to work hard and provide for his family. Gene was skilled and innovative and, with Laura as the visionary, he took on many projects to improve their home. One winter, he built a wooden pontoon boat from plans he purchased from Popular Mechanics; this boat provided them many years of pleasure on the lake. In 1977, during one of many remodeling projects, Gene was diagnosed with throat cancer. Despite losing his voice, he met the challenge with courage and grace. Barely recovered from surgery, he finished the project and learned to speak again. Gene retired after 38 years at GTE; however, he continued to go to work, building a series of home computers. Computers were his passion during his retirement years, along with maintaining the home and property. Soon there were grandchildren, who Gene adored. They loved going for rides on Grandpas tractor and taking boat rides. Eventually, Gene had 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Gene was the embodiment of a good man, always cheerful and patient, despite having to endure physical challenges for much of his adult life. He worked hard, took care of his family, and loved his wife. He had a passion for computers, and was an accomplished handyman who would take on almost any challenge. His presence on earth had a profound affect on those he leaves behind. To his beloved wife, children and grandchildren, he leaves a legacy of strength, character and tremendous love. Gene J. Hart, age 85, died on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Laura; sons: Wayne (Melody) Walden of N. Muskegon, Perry Walden of Muskegon, Gene "Mike" (Diane) Hart of Ravenna; daughter, Laura Lee (David) Postlewait of N. Muskegon; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents & sister, Natalie Smith. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Pastor Robby Richardson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit Genes personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign the online guest book.