In Memory
Edward Eugene Blackburn
February 24, 1937 - June 14, 2021
Edward Eugene “Gene” Blackburn, 84, of Edwardsburg, Michigan, passed away at home in the loving care of his wife in Punta Gorda, Florida on Monday, June 14, 2021. Gene was born February 24, 1937, to the late William and Edna (Self) Blackburn in South Bend.
Raised by his mother and Wayne Self, he went to Riley High School. Gene joined the apprentice program and went on to become a licensed electrician with IBEW Local 153.
He married Joan Yoder in 1958 and together they had three children, Steve, Gary and Kirk. Joan passed away in 1977. Gene married Mary Riczo in 1992. Gene and Mary enjoyed traveling and good times spent with friends. Gene was an avid boater and fisherman and loved being on water whether it was Lake Michigan or Juno Lake where they lived. Gene loved golfing and sports, and could be heard rooting on his beloved Fighting Irish football team every fall. Gene was also an accomplished painter, and many of his paintings hang in Michigan, Indiana and Florida.
Gene spent his entire career as an electrician, working for many local companies like Herman and Goetz. He was a member of the union for 65 years!
He and his wife Mary spent many enjoyable years in Florida, away from the Indiana winters that Gene didn’t like. He was able to fix anything, and could often be found helping others.
Gene is survived by his wife Mary (Riczo) Blackburn of Edwardsburg, and their combined children Steve (and Anne) Blackburn, Gary (and Marcia) Blackburn, Kirk Blackburn, Joan Dickson (and Tom Ladig), Jeanne (and Mark) McDonald, Julie (and Rich) Dudkowski , Tony (and Karen) Riczo; 11 grandchildren; his sister Phyllis Steele and her children Crystal and Mark Steele (and Jen StClair).
Arrangements will be handled by Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN. Gene’s family will be remembering him with a “Celebration of Life” at Elks Lodge Number 35, 3535 McKinley Ave, South Bend, IN on Saturday, August 7 from 2 to 6 pm. Dress is casual. If you would like, wear your Notre Dame gear!
Published in the South Bend Tribune on July 25, 2021
05/15/2023 DEC
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