Eugene Joseph Block

Mr. Eugene Block, 86, of Minden City, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday November 30, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Eugene was born September 7, 1930, at home on Huron Line Road, Minden City to the late Joseph and Marie (Stimpfel) Block. He married Colleen Ryan on June 18, 1960 at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City. Eugene attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School and graduated from Minden City High School. Eugene was a dedicated and innovative dairy farmer; first working with his father, Joseph and then with his son, Thomas. His love of farming was apparent, as he worked tirelessly to develop and support a fine dairy herd. Eugene engaged his family in many aspects of the family farm, teaching them life lessons along the way. He served on the boards of Michigan Milk Producers Association, MABC, Sherman Township Zoning Board and various other advisory boards throughout his active life. Eugene was dedicated to his community and was an active and life-long parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He enjoyed being part of the choir as a young man, served on the Parish Council, was an usher and was co-chair of the Mama Ruth Picnic for many years. He was friendly and engaging in nature and was the type of person who was instrumental in the weaving of the fabric of community. Eugene enjoyed bowling, playing Euchre, traveling and spending the winters in Florida. He was an avid sports fan, participating in many sports in his youth and later on attending his children’s sporting events and traveling to U of M football games. He loved when the family gathered together, visiting with his children and always took the time to lovingly tease grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Eugene was a loving husband and fine role model for his family. Eugene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Colleen of Minden City; six children, Thomas (Becky) Block of Minden City, Katherine (Brian) McManus of Fairmont WV, Joanne (Ronald) Barry, of Saginaw, Marilyn (David) Peplinski of Ubly, Brian Block of Minden City, and Kevin (Kelly) Block of Troy; sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine (Norman) Zurick of Port Huron, and sisters-in-laws, Elaine Block of Deckerville, and Mildred Block of Lexington. He was preceded in death by an infant son, John, grandchildren Cory and Seana Block, sister and brother-in-law Roseline and Charles Gliniecki, and brothers, Carl and Kenneth Block. The family would like to thank the community for all their prayers, the Compassus Hospice Service, especially Elaine, Patty and Kelly for their amazing care and support, and a wonderful group of caregivers, Patricia, Alesha, Melissa, Sherry and Dorothy who eased Eugene through his last days of life. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am Saturday, December 3 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Holy Apostle Parish in Ruth. Rev. Christopher Coman will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Smigielski Funeral Home in Minden City on Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church only from 10:00-11:00 am. There will be a rosary on Friday at 4 pm by the Holy Apostle Usher’s Club and a parish vigil service Friday at 7 pm. Both services will be at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice Service or to the Family Discretionary Fund.