Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Eugene J. Bethe

Jan. 12, 1920 - Dec. 26, 2006

South Bend Tribune 1/18/2007

MISHAWAKA - Eugene J. Bethe, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2006, in Hospice House, South Bend. Eugene was born on January 12, 1920, in Milwaukee, WI, as the son of the now late August and Clara (Reinmund) Bethe. Also preceding Eugene were a sister, Elva Bethe, and a brother, Allan Bethe. His family moved to Chicago when he was a young boy and he remained there until 1943 when he relocated to Mishawaka upon graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in chemistry.

On April 24, 1943, in Mishawaka, Eugene married the former Mary Jane Contat. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary; a daughter, Christine (Charles) Wukovits of Mishawaka; two granddaughters, Caryn (Rodney) Musselman of Muncie, Indiana, and Carol (Dave) Palay of Lake Charles, Louisiana; four great-grandchildren, Victoria and Sophia Musselman, and Ethan and Charlie Palay; and by his four-legged “baby,” Abigail.

Eugene worked in the Latex Foam Research Department at Uniroyal in Mishawaka for over 40 years before he retired in 1983. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Uniroyal Men's Club. Gene enjoyed dancing, volunteering at the Center for the Homeless and Pet Refuge, “tinkering” in his garage, and playing cards.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, January 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Unitarian Church of South Bend, The Center for the Homeless or to Pet Refuge.