Eugene R. "Gene" Verrette

Eugene R. “Gene” Verrette, 92, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Gene was born October 8, 1931, in Clare, Michigan, the son of Fred and Hilda (Ackerman) Verrette. He grew up on a farm in Clare, MI and was a 1950 graduate of Clare High School. Gene earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Michigan State University and his master’s degree in Education from Michigan State University. He began his teaching career in Eaton Rapids for 6 years. He started at Kellogg Community College in 1962. After 30 years with Kellogg Community College, he retired as Director of the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center.  

He met Maggie in the summer of 1951 at Eight Point Lake. Eugene Richard Verrette and Margaret H. Cleveland were united in marriage on November 25, 1952, in East Lansing, Michigan. Surviving are his wife, Maggie; daughter, Deborah (Frank) DeLuca; grandchildren, Jessica (Tim) Frazier, John(Melanie) Verrette, Mark Verrette, Nicholas Verrette, Sarah DeLuca; three great-grandchildren, Joshua II Collige, Tyler Collige, Cheyanne Collige; two great great-granddaughters, Xienna and Melina; several beloved nieces, nephews cousins and their families. Gene was preceded in death by two sons, Timothy "TJ" Verrette and Dr. Richard Verrette; sisters Ruth Cotter, Helen Anderson and brother Raymond Verrette. 

Gene attended St. Philip Catholic Church. He was a member of the Pennfield Exchange Club. Gene enjoyed a monthly breakfast with former KCC staff and attending Men's Club at NorthPointe Woods . He loved building boats, sailing and tinkering in the garage. Gene enjoyed watching MSU football,  bicycling into his eighties; chopping wood, spending time at the family cabin at Eight Point Lake in Garfield Township, MI.   He and Maggie enjoyed spending time together, traveling the world and playing cards. Gene was an avid runner in his younger years and walked later in life. He was a fun prankster, outgoing, charismatic, full of life and was often quoted for saying “life is about wine, women and song”. He was known to have a stubborn side too. Gene enjoyed being involved with the activities at NorthPointe Woods. He will be remembered as a humble super hero who took pleasure in talking to people and loved his family.

Friends will be received 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. Patrick Murphy 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be held at a later date.