EUGENE DARRYL REPKE

Eugene was born on March 8, 1951, to Eugene H. and Shirlaine F. (McConnell) Repke in Alpena. He graduated from AHS Class of 1969 and Western Michigan University in May of 1973 with a BS in Business Administration. On July 22, 1972, he married Nancy Collins at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Gene had worked at the Musselman’s in Paw Paw upon graduation and later moved back to Alpena in January of 1979 to work at the Besser Company. Transitioned into industrial sales for Detroit Ball Bearing and Motion Industries. His final occupation was as an AFLAC District Director.

Gene was active in coaching both the hockey and soccer teams of his sons. He was a past president of the Alpena Hockey Association, the Thunder Bay Watershed and the Blue Line Club. He also was a member of the Elks BPOE 505 and Alpena Moose Lodge 571.

Gene loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, friends and family. Especially being at camp during deer season. He fished in the Brown Trout Tournament for many years. Other favorite activities were playing cards with family and friends, Texas Hold ’em tournaments as well as playing in the Elks weekly golf and cribbage leagues. He loved to travel throughout the Unites States. Memorable trips included Hawaii, Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and annual trips to Las Vegas. His last trip was special to Disney World with granddaughter, Dylana this fall. He also enjoyed watching all the Michigan sports teams. One of his greatest joys was being “Grandpa Geno.”

Gene was the consummate optimist. He always focused on the positive things in life and saw the good in people and cared deeply about friends and family. What he loved most of all, was the love of his life, his devoted wife Nancy. He lived his life with no regrets. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten by those that knew him.

Surviving are his wife Nancy; two sons, Christopher (Bridgette) Repke and grandson, Luke; Eric (Brooke) Repke and granddaughter, Dylana; his mother, Shirlaine Repke; brother, Randy (Kay) Repke; two sisters, Erin (Robert) Hemmingson, Lynn (Joe) Duby; brother and sister-in-laws, Mike (Linda) Collins, Bill (Kim) Collins, Mark (Cheryl) Collins, Fred (Lamen) Collins, Charles (Tomomi) Collins, Jackie (Tim) McGee; special aunt and uncle, Roy and Jan Berson (who made the trip to Mayo Clinic with him); several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Repke was preceded in death by his father, Eugene H. Repke and In-laws, Fred and Irma Collins.

Mr. Repke is at the Bannan Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Monday from 2-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday at St. Bernard Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Fitzpatrick officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: Friends Together or ALS Society, Michigan Chapter, 675 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48083