Eugene B. “Gene” Albers, age 92, of Breese, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Aviston Countryside Manor. Gene was born on November 1, 1932, in Looking Glass Township, the son of the late John and Josephine (Leonard) Albers.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Esther (Rosen) Albers, whom he married on September 5, 1956, at St. Rose Catholic Church. Esther passed away on July 18, 2005. Also preceding him in death were his siblings, Mildred “Millie” (August “Gus”) Renschen, Dolores (Paul) Peek, and Raymond Albers; his parents-in-law, Anton and Louisa (Liening) Rosen; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bernell Loepker, Marcel Heimann, Sylvester Rosen, Harry Rosen, Leonarda (Virgil) Wempe, C.J. “Bud” (Esther) Rosen, Gertrude (William) Smith, and Julianna “Dolly” (Leonard) Damm.
Gene is survived by his loving children, Elizabeth “Betty” Guthrie and Robert A. “Bob” (Janice) Albers, both of Breese; and his cherished grandchildren, Joseph (Mackenzie Henrichs) Guthrie, Jordan (Ivania) Guthrie, Jacob (Emily Von Bokel) Guthrie, Jessica Byrd, Crystal (Daniel) Daniken, and Joshua (Lisl Fauke) Albers. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, Sophia, Tyler, and Liam Guthrie; Remi Guthrie; Bryce Albers; Calvin Byrd; and Barrett and Colton Daniken. Gene is also survived by his siblings, Norbert (Ruth Ann) Albers of Beckemeyer and Lucille Heimann of Aviston, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Gene retired from Empire Comfort Systems in Belleville. He was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and an active member of the Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869. Gene loved playing cards and bingo and was an avid supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese, with Fr. Chuck Tuttle officiating. Interment will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese. The Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869 will conduct a service on Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
