Eugene “Gene” Detweiler – “Mr. D” to many of his former students – went to his heavenly home April 19, 2026, at the age of 90. Born at home in Eureka, Illinois, he was the second of three children. Growing up Gene enjoyed simple pleasures - ice skating on the pond across the street, listening to the Lone Ranger on the radio, and sneaking a stack of his grandma’s home-baked cookies to his bedroom.

Gene learned carpentry by working in his father John Detweiler’s construction company, where the slogan was “Better Built by Detweiler”. Later in life, he shared those skills with his children and many in the Allegan community.

He lived in Eureka until he joined the Navy in 1956, where he served aboard the USS Wisconsin. He enjoyed his travels while serving, including helping to perform calculations for the ship’s crossing of the Panama Canal, but later shared his disappointment in missing the chance to see Rome when his ship had to sail early.

Upon return to Illinois, he earned his undergraduate degree at Bradley University and later earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Education at Illinois State University.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Gerda Milkeraitis, and a little over a year later they welcomed their first child, Gerri. He took a teaching position in Allegan, Michigan in 1965, where he taught architectural and mechanical drafting. Their second child, Gail, was born right after they moved to Allegan, and their son, Gary, came along four years later.

They bought a historic home on Cutler Street and spent the next fifty years fixing it up. Many of you will remember him reading a book on the porch swing or enjoying neighborhood kids playing on the horse swings he made.

Family was everything to Gene. He loved driving up to Fairview, MI for family reunions, and logged many miles visiting his grandchildren in Florida, Missouri, and Grant and Cedar Springs, MI. When he wasn’t reading to them or cheering them on at their sporting events and graduations, he would find a project to work on around the house.

He loved teaching and was thrilled when a former student told him how much they enjoyed his class or used what he taught them later in life. He was a big believer in further education and was so pleased when one of his dear aides recently decided to pursue further schooling (which he probably attributed to his encouragement).

Gene and Gerda loved to travel, and just two years ago he realized a lifelong dream of a hot air balloon ride in New Mexico. It was an adventurous ride ending with landing on a residential street.

Faith was central to Gene’s life. Raised in the Roanoke Mennonite Church, he was a longtime member of the Allegan Wesleyan Church, and later the First Baptist Church of Allegan. He demonstrated his faith through service, including spending a summer rebuilding homes after tornadoes in Kentucky, and numerous mission trips to Haiti.

Gene loved reading, gardening, cross-country skiing in the Allegan Forest, riding his bike, interesting architecture, historic markers, family adventures, bluegrass music, cookies, pie, and puzzles.

The family would love for you to join them for his Celebration of Life on May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Allegan, followed by lunch and time for visiting. Bring your memories!

If you’d like to honor Gene’s memory, read a good book. Perform an act of service. Thank a teacher. Reach out to a loved one you haven’t spoken to lately. Or, eat a cookie in bed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Educational Foundation for Allegan Public Schools or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation.

Gene is survived by his spouse, Gerda, children, Gerri (Kevin) Englund, Gail (David) Marriott, Gary (Kathi) Detweiler, grandchildren Sydney Englund, Christopher and Gretchen Marriott, Aaron (Courtney) Laitila, Thomas Laitila, Jill (Travis) Hirsch, and Alyssa Detweiler, great-granddaughter Quinn Laitila, sister Jennita Wright, sisters-in-law Sally Detweiler and JoAnn Milkeraitis, brother-in-law Ray Milkeraitis, and many beloved relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Detweiler, brother Gerald Detweiler, sisters-in-law Dorothy Detweiler and Emma Milkeraitis, and brother-in-law John Milkeraitis.