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Eugene Stiteler, age 98, of Mendon, died Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was born in Mendon on June 17, 1925 the son of Roy David Stiteler and Elma (Mathis) Stiteler. After graduation from Mendon High School with the class of 1943, Gene served in the Air Force from 1943 to 1946. He returned to Mendon and worked at Garman Electric until 1951, and then drove the bulk fuel truck for Standard Oil Service until 1960. Gene was one of the first employees of Research Molding where he worked for seven years. He worked for Spealman Construction as their electrician from 1967 to 1970. He became the owner of Gene’s Electric in downtown Mendon in 1973, retiring in 1989. He was also the chief electrician at the St. Joseph County Fair for 33 years.
Gene was a volunteer for the Mendon Fire Department, from 1947 to 1960, serving as Fire Chief the last eight years of service. He was instrumental in establishing the Mendon Loan Closet, and was a 30-year volunteer with the Mendon Ambulance Service. He was a member of the Mendon Kiwanis Club and served on the Mendon School Board, and the Library Board. He also served on the Mendon Township Zoning board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting trips up north, woodworking, and Detroit Tiger baseball.
Gene was married to his high school sweetheart, Maxine Marantette on May 14, 1947 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon. Maxine passed away on February 26, 1986. He was fortunate to find love again and was married to Joan (Dick) Schmitt on January 7, 1989 at St. Edward Catholic Church. Joan preceded him in death on October 28, 2011.
Gene is survived by six children, Cheryl Heinritz of Six Lakes, Ron (Judy) Stiteler of Donna, TX, Randy Stiteler of Three Rivers, Gary Stiteler of Wellston, Jo (Tom) Brady of Three Rivers, and Jan (Buzz) Griffith of Mendon; three step-children, Mary Lou (Cliff) Jepsen, Joe (Mary) Schmitt, and Kathy (Bob) Spence all of Mendon; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives; brother, Doug Stiteler; sisters, Ethel Fifer and Mildred Russell; son-in-law, Jim Heinritz; and step-son, Mike Schmitt.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 pm Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 11 am Monday, February 5, 2024 at the funeral home with Rev. Clint Zehr officiating. Interment will follow in St. Edward Catholic Cemetery. It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to the Mendon Fire Department. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
