Eugene “Gene”‘s Obituary Harvey, MI- Eugene Richard Marceau, 88, longtime Harvey resident passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans surrounded by his loving family. Eugene Richard Marceau was born to Fabian Albert Marceau and Winifred Marie Milden June 21, 1930 in Crystal Falls, Mi. The family moved to Diorite, Mi.
and eventually West Branch to his mother’s family farm. It was there that Gene and his nine siblings developed a life-long love of the outdoors. It was common knowledge that the Marceau family had enough kids to field their own ball team.
Boz was nicknamed after his father’s horse of the same name by a high school classmate that he used to cut pulp wood with on weekends. He attended Graveraet High School and began an apprenticeship at 18 with Spear and Sons. Gene was a member of the regular Army drafted October 5, 1951 and receiving an honorable discharge September 23, 1953 as a Sergeant.
He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Korean’s Veterans Association for his service in the Korean Conflict. He came home from Korea, bought a new 53 Chevrolet and went for a ride with good friend, Mylie LeRoy. He stopped at the corner of Third St and Washington and offered a ride to Carol Lahti and Delores Silta.
That initial ride with Carol Jean led to a marriage of 64 years, their daughter, Terri Marceau (Rico Zenti), son, Richard Marceau and one granddaughter, Zari Zenti. Gene returned to Spear and Sons where he worked for 38 years and retired as the Master Carpenter. He was known as the “Wizard of the Wood Shop”, who freely advised so many with his knowledge of wood craft.
He had an innate ability to teach, advise and consult many who went onto to have successful careers in carpentry. Bob and Mary (Spear) Beals, owners of Spear and Sons, and their daughters enjoyed a life-long friendship that continued after his retirement from Spear and Sons. Bob was a true, devoted friend that shared many an adventure that might raise a few eyebrows.
He loved life, never complained of going to work, rarely missed a day and an avid sportsman, who loved to fish and hunt. He played hardball for Trenary and spent many shifts at third base and short stop on Hurley Field playing fast pitch softball on championship teams with his brothers. Gene coached his son’s Little League teams, but realized he was a Nervous Nelly which ended that career.
A charter member of the West Branch Sportsman club, he was instrumental in building the clubhouse. Gene and his brothers built a camp for his family on Little Lake, which was a place of great pride and merriment. Anyone looking for Gene in the summertime would automatically go to camp first, as that is where he was to be found usually covered in sawdust working on projects in his garage workshop or on his point fishing.
He was a father figure for many who loved him dearly. He was notorious for teasing children who went home fretting or crying only to return the next day for more. They realized his love was greater than his taunt which developed their character.
Several nieces and nephews of the Marceau and Lahti clan can attest to this attribute. He had a special bond with his brother, Bob, in whose company were often hailed as the “Bushwhack Brothers”. Gene and Bob were everlasting friends and best buddies.
They spent the year ice fishing, making maple syrup, hunting birds and deer, fishing, building projects, taking a break for birthdays and holidays before the cycle repeated. He is survived by his wife, Carol Jean, daughter, Terri Linn (Rico Zenti) Marceau, son, Richard Gene Marceau and granddaughter, Zari Rigena Zenti; brothers, Robert Jack (Addie) Marceau, David Bronson (Chere) Marceau, and sister, JoAnn Alvina Bruegeman; Carol’s sister, Joyce Sands and brother, David (Patti) Lahti; sister-in-laws, Rosie and Karen Marceau and numerous nieces and nephews. Eugene now rests with his heavenly siblings Wanda Marie, Donald Albert, Grace Ellen, Roland Douglas, Keith Allen and Stephen Paul.
A service for Eugene will be held in the chapel at the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Friday, March 15, 2019. Visitation would be from 12 noon to 1 pm, with a service starting at 1:00 pm, which will be officiated by Dr. Brian Oberg. A luncheon will follow at Vango’s Restaurant on Third Street in Marquette.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for steadfast and nurturing care of Gene over the years. Memorial contributions can be made to the Jacobetti Activity Fund or a charity of one’s choice. A Celebration of Life will happen at Gene’s camp this summer.
The family encourages you to spend a day in the woodlands like this man, who so enjoyed his life in the Upper Peninsula. Cruise out and greet the sunrise with a smile, stoke the sauna like a firebug, help a friend with a project, buzz up a truckload of firewood, land a big one, bag a buck, build a bonfire, surround yourself with family and friends and salute the sunset with a shot of Ten High, all in the name of this true character. Eugene Richard was a genuine piece of work!
Gene’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
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