Gene R. Workman

Gene Workman was a loving husband, caring father, and doting grandpa who found his greatest moments of joy in the company of his family. His family was his greatest treasure, and he was thankful for each day that he spent with them. Following the hardship of the Great Depression, the year 1938 marked a time for change. With the Second World War quickly approaching and during this climate of uncertainty, Bernard Workman and his wife Leah were expecting a child. On October 20, 1938 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their only child, Gene. Gene was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan. His father provided for the family through his job at the Muskegon Chronicle, and his mother was a homemaker. The family settled in Lakeside when Gene was eight years old and he attended Bunker Elementary School. When he was twelve years old, his parents' marriage ended with divorce. Gene lived with his father who remarried in 1954. Gene enjoyed the company of his two younger siblings, Jon and Dianne, and a few years later welcomed the birth of a baby brother, Doug. Gene attended Muskegon High School, where he played football and formed many valuable friendships. He was popular among the girls, and he enjoyed going to dances and beach parties. He graduated with the class of 1957. Following his graduation, Gene entered the Navy and served for two years. He was stationed in Florida as well as spending time over seas. Sometimes, when he received a four-day pass, he would hitchhike home to Michigan (and back) with his good friend Roger Wade! Besides hitchhiking, Gene, like most young sailors, liked to spend time on liberty having fun and flirting. In 1959, after earning his honorable discharge, Gene returned home to Michigan. He lived with his parents and worked for Continental Motors in Muskegon. He married in 1961, and although the marriage would later end in divorce, Gene was blessed with four wonderful sons: Gene Jr., Kevin, Patrick, and Todd. Gene was a devoted family man, and after the divorce, he remained in the home to raise the boys. To provide for his family, he worked second shift at Kaydon Corporation. He and his sons enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Baldwin area. Later they would move their camp further north to Thompsonville. Summers were centered around motocross racing, with Gene both taking care of the bikes and cheering his sons to victory. In 1977 Gene met the love of his life, a lovely, attractive woman named Penny Brown. They were set up on a blind date by the attorney who handled their divorces. Although there was a lot of chemistry between them, they were both very cautious. They dated for two years and ten months, a period of time filled with dancing, talking, and laughing. On December 18, 1979 they were married in Muskegon. Penny had four children of her own: Lance, Misti, Shane and Krista. Gene embraced them as his own, fully enjoying having four more children to love - and to feed! Shortly after their marriage, Gene and Penny purchased a cabin up in Thompsonville. They spent a lot of time up north, hunting, fishing, socializing, and playing cards. Their cabin was lots of fun for the entire family. Over the years, Gene was an avid runner who ran in many 5K races around Muskegon. In his later years, Gene was thrilled to see his family grow with the blessing of several grandchildren. He loved spending time with the youngest members of his family. Whenever there was a sporting event, you could always find Gene cheering them on. He loved all kinds of sports, and he enjoyed rooting for Michigan 's professional sports teams; the Lions (although it was frustrating), the Pistons, the Red Wings and the Tigers. Gene continued to hunt with his family and his good friends, String, Chops, and Rostar. He enjoyed fishing with his wife, who he nicknamed "Fluffy", and together, the two developed a passion for golf. Truth is, the two of them did everything together. They may have been cautious in the beginning, but once they realized they were meant for each other, it truly was a partnership made in heaven. In 2000, Gene retired from Kaydon, where he had worked as a machinist for thirty-five years. He was excited to spend more time with his beloved wife and family. Following the unexpected death of his mother that year, the faith Gene had found 25 years earlier finally began to blossom. He began attending church regularly. Later that year, on July 19th, his son Gene Jr. passed away, and on December 23rd, Gene was diagnosed with leukemia. Gene became an active and devoted member of Word of Hope Church in Fruitport and was baptized on January 4, 2004. He relied on his strong faith to guide him through his grief and the difficult times he faced with such courage. Despite his health problems, Gene was able to winter in Mississippi for the two years following his diagnosis. He underwent a rigorous treatment of chemotherapy for four years. It was a constant battle, but he never gave up. Gene was the protector of his family, and though the treatments made him physically sick, he hid his pain from everyone. Gene was a true fighter, he never complained, and he always put his best foot forward. He provided his family and friends with an inspiring example of perseverance, hope, and determination. He was a living example of his favorite tee-shirts, Attitude is Everything and Never Never Quit. Among the many people whose hearts he touched, he will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. His absence is a void that can never be filled. Gene died Friday, November 24, 2006 at home surrounded by his family following a courageous 6 year battle with leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Penny; 5 sons, Kevin (Barb) Workman of Muskegon, Lance Brown of Muskegon, Patrick (Sara) Workman of Thompsonville, MI, Shane Brown of Muskegon, Todd (Pamela) Workman of Muskegon; 2 daughters, Misti (Ken) Daly of Fruitport, Krista (Bud) Vanderstelt of Muskegon; daughter-in-law, Kendra Workman of Muskegon; 14 grandchildren, Stacey, Joie, Adam, McKenna "Mick", Ashley, Jacob, CJ, Emily, Britney, Brandy, Brooke, Trent, Daryk & Jennifer; 2 great-grandchildren, AnnElise & Cherish Gene; 2 brothers, Jon (Cathy) Workman of Muskegon, Doug (Linda) Workman of Texas; sister, Dianne (Tom) Young of Whitehall; parents, Bernard & Beverley Workman; father & mother-in-law, Isaac & June VanderJagt of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews; and his cats, Mama Cat & Fat Cat. He was preceded in death by his son Gene Jr. "Geno" & his mother, Leah. The Service will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, 11:00 AM at Word of Hope Church in Fruitport with Rev. James Bos officiating. VISITATION: Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Gene R. Workman Memorial Fund. Please visit Gene's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or sign the guestbook.