Eugene Volstromer

Eugene Volstromer, 86 of Marshall, died on Sunday April 11, 2021.
Gene was born June 24, 1934 in Ecorse, Michigan to Ignatuis and Julia (Wieble) Volstromer. At eight years old, the family moved to a hardscrabble farm near Marshall. Gene learned lots of life lessons and good work habits due to no electricity, running water, or central heat. They were farming with horses for years, raising crops, milking cows, raising pigs, chickens, picking pickles for cash crops. Gene had a 1 ½ mile walk to a one room school which added to keeping everyone working and tired.

After high school, Gene worked at Crowel Carton for awhile and later would retire from the Kellogg Company in 1982 after working 30 years. Gene met his future wife, Gloria Weers, at an ice skating party one night in 1952. For Gene, that was it! They were married September 26, 1953. Together they raised three great kids who all worked in their chosen field after college: Betheny, Gina, and Craig.

Gene and Gloria moved many times, including to the Upper Peninsula and to Missouri. They enjoyed a variety of activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, all which led the list. He and Gloria harvested and processed venison into dozens of different varieties of food.

When Gene was young, he boxed as an amateur, winning the Lansing District Championships and Jackson Open Championship. Although undefeated, he could not pass the eye exam at the higher levels so had to quit boxing. He was also a pitcher for fast pitch softball leagues in Battle Creek where he played with close friends.

Gene owned several small farms, raising cash crops which he enjoyed doing. He bought his first 40 acres at age 24. He helped build several houses and due to his moving so much, he did a great deal of major building and remodeling. He also bought and sold lots of firearms and did loads of target shooting with shotgun, rifles, and handguns. He enjoyed playing pool and horseshoes with close friends and relatives.
Gene and Gloria traveled throughout of the U.S., visiting children and grandkids wherever they were. Gene lost part of himself when Gloria passed in 2013.

He is survived by daughters: Betheny A. Pierce and Gina K. Isard; and son Craig Eugene Volstromer of Marshall; four grandchildren: Randy L. Wood, Zachary M. (Rhonda) Pierce, Michael S. Wood and Martina Jean Dupertuis: his second and last love, a fantastic lady Barbara Morrison; two great-grandchildren; siblings Julia Joshick, Helen Ball, James (Diane) Volstormer and Donald Volstromer. He was preceded in death by parents; his wife; and siblings Edward Volstromer, Velma Wilkins and Barbara Volstromer.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a funeral service taking place at 11 a.m. with Pastor James Codde officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions are requested to Hospice Care of South West Michigan, 7100 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 https://www.hospiceswmi.org/give/ or to Hillsdale College, 33 E. College St. Hillsdale, MI 49242 https://secured.hillsdale.edu/hillsdale/donate. Memorials may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068.

Leave a personal message for the family, sign the online guestbook, and watch the funeral service at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com