Eugene (Gene) Richard Gamache, 87, of Oswego, IL, born on May 7, 1937 in Escanaba, MI, passed away Friday, May 10th, 2024, at Rush Copley Hospital. Gene was surrounded by his wife and children. Gene was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Dorena (Mallette) Gamache and his sister Olive White, all of Escanaba, Michigan.

Gene came from humble beginnings and sometimes joked that he often wore hand-me-downs from his siblings, and he only had sisters.

He was a distance runner in high school and demonstrated the perseverance that was seen throughout his life. Just after graduation he joined the Marines where he learned about life outside of Escanaba.

As a rolling stone gathers no moss, Gene left the Marines with an honorable discharge and moved to Chicago. Despite his enduring fondness for the UP and his love for, and loyalty to the Detroit Lions and Tigers, he called chicagoland suburbs and eventually Oswego his home thereafter.

Gene was the model of a hard working man chasing the American dream. He worked hard to become a manager at Western Electric/AT&T taking college courses to advance his career. He worked hard at making sure he could provide for his family and get ahead in life. From working nights at gas stations to eventually owning laundromats with Emelie, while still working his day job.

Hard work led to success in the laundry business. Gene and Emelie rebuilt their first store from the ground up and became well known in the neighborhood. White castles, pizza, early morning coffee and bakery for everyone and holiday raffles along with holiday ham giveaways were a small part of what they enjoyed doing to give back to the community. Their annual Customer Appreciation Days were largely attended and appreciated. Many of Gene and Emelie's family and friends helped make these events special.

Gene enjoyed fishing and vacationing with Emelie and their children. He was an avid deer hunter which in later years became an avid deer feeder with bags of corn he'd buy from local supply stores. One of his favorite things to do was to watch football, and he fondly was able to watch the hapless Lions find some success in 2023. We know he will be watching for more in 2024.

He was funny sometimes and serious sometimes. He loved his family and friends. supported charities and his church, especially during the construction of the new Wheatland Salem church in Naperville.

Gene was invested in his community and led the effort to rebuild the entrance to their subdivision. He and Emelie teamed up several years ago to give the vision a new look. After that update the caretaking of the entrance became an annual community event that endeared him to his neighbors. He will be missed by many.

Gene is survived by his Wife, Emelie, his daughter Penny (Steve) Coffman, his son David (Vilija) Gamache, his sister Yvonne Meyer, and by many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 S. Douglas Rd., Oswego, IL. Funeral Service will be at 11a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the funeral home. Inurnment at Risen Lord Cemetery, Oswego, IL. at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Compassion International or The Make A Wish Foundation.

For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com