In Memory
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Gene Russell Smith
May 26, 1939 ~ August 19, 2026 (age 87)
Gene R. Smith, 87 years old, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday August 19, 2026 at Cedarhust of Edison Lakes in Mishawaka.
Gene was born on May 26, 1939 in South Bend to the late Harry and Pearl Irene (Wiseman) Smith. On August 26, 1960, Gene married the love of his life of nearly 66 years, Mary Anne Zernick, who survives. Along with his parents, Gene is preceded in death by a son, Baby Emil Harold Smith; brothers, Kenneth, Wayne, Dale, and Ray Smith; and his sisters, Edith Durfee and Vada Johnson.
Along with his loving wife, Mary Anne Smith, Gene is also survived by his sons, David G. (Gretchen) Smith and Joseph A. (Heather) Smith; daughters, Susan M. Smith and Kathleen A. (Robin) Yarnell; grandchildren, Christopher (Tabitha), Monica, Harper, Hudson, and Hadley Smith, Jacob and Abigail Yarnell, Michaela (James) Stogdill, Allie (Blake) Marks, and Chad (Ellie) Piatt; a great-grandson, Atticus; and his niece, Janette (Bill) Day.
Gene graduated from Riley High School before attending night school at Acme Design and completing a Tool & Die apprenticeship at Adams Engineering. He worked his way up to Tool & Die Sales before joining Weldun Engineering, now known as Bosch, where he eventually retired. Gene was a longtime member of the New Carlisle Lions Club and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, where he served as a reader for many years. Among his many accomplishments, Gene was especially proud of completing the Dale Carnegie Courses. He had a natural gift for helping others and could fix nearly anything that was broken, earning him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Fix-It.” Above all, Gene cherished his family, especially the time he spent hunting with his sons.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 22, 2026 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 55756 Tulip Rd, New Carlisle, IN 46552, with an hour of visitation held prior at church. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in honor of Gene R. Smith may be made out to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 55756 Tulip Rd, New Carlisle, IN 46552, or a Hospice Center of choice.
Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.
Donations may be made to:
St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church
55756 Tulip Rd., New Carlisle IN 46552
Web: https://www.ststansnewcarlisle.org/giving
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