Eugene “Gene” Robert Blaho passed away peacefully on August 21, 2022, at the age of 90. Originally from Chicago, IL, and later Dyer, IN, his life is best remembered through his story-telling, clever humor, ingenuity, and unwavering love for his beloved wife, Lillian "Lil" Blaho.

Not one to speak unnecessarily, Gene commanded the attention of a room with stories of working as a milkman for Kraml Dairy in Chicago, tales of fishing trips with friends, tough, but loving advice, and instructions on how to fix nearly anything.

His work ethic and insistence on “doing it right” was tempered by his love of humor. A certain kind of smile would appear as he rounded the corner to a punchline, or showed off a gadget built only for the purpose of making others laugh.

Gene’s ability to make or repair anything became the foundation of his career. At a young age, he found a love of woodworking and tools. As an adult, he built a business servicing refrigeration, heating and air conditioning units under the name Tri-Quality Service, a reminder that quality was at the center of his craft. Even after retiring, his workshop remained a place of solace and is a visual reminder of his depth and breadth of knowledge.

Above all else, it was his life’s greatest work to build a home and family with Lil. They married June 4, 1955, in Chicago, most recently celebrating 67 years of marriage. Together they raised five children and ten grandchildren, and welcomed seven great-grandchildren to the family. Through the years, their unselfish love endured and became another testament to Gene’s commitment to never leave a job incomplete.

Gene is survived by the love of his life, Lillian "Lil" Blaho, his children Cheryl Petersen (Brandon), Eugene Blaho (Judy), Laurie Box-Schmitt (Tom), Nancy Funston, Cathy Blaho, grandchildren Lauren, Nick, Alysha, Ali (Daniel), Josh (Tasheena), Andy, Megan (Brett), Brandon, Anna and great-grandchildren Raven, Autumn, Lily, Cole, Beckham, Kendrick, Winston. Among his extended family, nephews Don Blaho (Becky) and Steve Blaho held special roles in his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents Antal and Julia Blaho (née Plutzer); all siblings, Anthony Blaho, Valerie Darien (Nick), Johnny Blaho (Dorothy), Margaret Harris (Rederick “Rod”), Stephen Blaho (Marie), Irene Mihalovits (George), niece Judy Kiley; nephews Gilbert Blaho and Ed Mihalovits; and grandson Clayton Petersen.

The family will honor Gene’s wishes, forgoing a formal memorial service. 

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