Submitted by: Alice Marie Beard

Gene Allen DeFauw November 27, 1949 ~ July 5, 2012 Always bigger than life, Gene DeFauw passed away on Thursday July 5, 2012 after a short illness. Gene was born November 27, 1949 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Roger Julius DeFauw and Dawnine Caroline (Marsden) DeFauw. The family moved to Mishawaka in 1955. Gene married Maureen Thornton on August 19, 1979 in South Bend. She preceded him in death in June of 2001. Gene and Maureen had one son, Gene’s pride and joy and best friend, Keith B.(Jessica Miller) DeFauw, who survives along with Gene’s beautiful granddaughter Olivia. Gene graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1969 and Indiana University in 1974. He was co-founder of Heritage Construction in the mid-1970’s. Leaving the business to work alone, Gene continued his love and skill of cabinet-making in his privately owned business, GM Enterprises. There was little Gene could not do, from his carpentry, to electrical and plumbing, his love of antiques and historic home restoration, gardening and canning his famous pickles, and a true love of music- old and new. Just like his maternal grandmother, if Gene didn’t know how to do something that someone else did, he learned. Gene is remembered by his family and friends as a brilliant mind with a quick wit and a generous heart. With his bravado he tried to hide what a soft-hearted soul he had, but everyone who knew him, knew the real Gene. Gene also leaves his devoted companion and love, Marcia Eakins. His family will be forever grateful for her loving care through his illness. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Roger and his nephew Jason DeFauw. He leaves his mother, Dawnine DeFauw, brother Roger "Dave" DeFauw (Catherine Robertson), sisters Denise (John) Mroczek, & Lora (Bill) Rozzi. There are nephews, David E. DeFauw, Damen, Coley, and Dana Mroczek, Aaron and Roger Rozzi, and nieces, Cassidy Fowler and Elena Rozzi, all of whom learned many things from Uncle Gene, some useful and some just funny. Gene also leaves his niece and nephew (through Maureen) Kate and Kris and their parents Brian and Linda Thornton. Gene’s cousins were very important in his life; Ron (Terri), Russ (Jane), & Rick (deceased) DeFauw and Maureen (deceased) Gray, Dawnine (Phil) DeKeizer, and Coleyne Sealy. Gene leaves a legion of friends from elementary school to yesterday. He treasured his life-long friendships and his new acquaintances. A pseudo curmudgeon, he would do anything for anyone without expecting any credit. He patiently taught his little sisters and his nieces and nephews how to fish, lay brick, roof a building, or shoot a bb gun. Gene spent countless hours with Keith, passing on his knowledge and talents during their many projects together. Whatever wisdom he could share, he did. Gene’s absence will leave a very empty hole in our family, and he will be forever missed. Memorial services for Gene will be Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, with Rev. Greg Crump officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 -6:00pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Gene may be to Center for Hospice Care 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or St. Jude Children Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Online condolences may be left for the DeFauw family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.