Gene F. “Geno” Schurman, age 75, of Germantown and formerly of Breese, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born October 24, 1950, in Breese, a son of the late Maurice and Loretta (Winter) Schurman.
Gene married the love of his life, Linda Kay Schurman (nee Venhaus), on June 22, 1974, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, friendship, and countless memories over more than fifty-two years of marriage. Linda survives in Germantown. He is also survived by his children, Nicholas (Rosey Williams) Schurman of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jess (Susanne) Schurman of Gross-Bieberau, Germany; grandsons, Louis and Frank Schurman; brother, John(Val) Schurman of Belleville; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy Schurman of Carlyle, Kathy Schurman of Carlyle, Jerry Campbell of Breese, and Janet Venhaus of Breese; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry Schurman and Jim Schurman; parents-in-law, Ed and Henrietta (nee Burtz) Venhaus; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lillian (Paul) Luebbers, Karen Campbell, Marvin Venhaus, and Leola (Tom) Sudholt.
Gene was a visionary whose leadership, work ethic, and genuine love for his community helped shape Breese and the surrounding area for generations. A 1968 graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School, he went on to earn a degree in Construction Management from Ranken Technical College, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to helping communities grow. Throughout the years, he served as Economic Development Director for the City of Breese, Village Administrator for Sandoval, and as a respected TIF consultant for Breese and many other communities. Through Schurman Development & Construction Management, Gene played an instrumental role in bringing numerous projects to life, including the Super Valu stores, GTSB, and helping make Bent Oak Golf Course a reality, along with many other commercial developments that continue to serve the region today.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gene believed deeply in giving back to his community. He served as president of both the Breese Lions Club and the Breese Chamber of Commerce, was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2869, served on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board, volunteered as a firefighter, and maintained a lifelong connection to St. Augustine Catholic Parish.
Gene believed life was meant to be enjoyed—and even more importantly, shared. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan who rarely missed an opportunity to talk baseball, especially with his friends through the Cards Live Crew. He enjoyed golfing, cooking for family and friends, mixing a classic martini, and sharing a great bottle of wine. Whether gathered around the dinner table or visiting with friends, Gene had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. His quick wit, infectious smile, and ability to tell a great joke could light up any room and leave people laughing long after he was gone.
While Gene was proud of the work he accomplished and the communities he helped build, his greatest joy came from his family. He measured success not by the buildings he helped create, but by the relationships he built along the way. No matter how busy life became, he never missed an opportunity to FaceTime his grandsons in Germany, whose smiles could brighten any day. He treasured time spent with his nieces and nephews, and he especially loved bringing family together to celebrate life’s moments—big and small. More than anything, Gene will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering love for his family, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, friendship, humor, and quiet generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, friendship, generosity, and love that will continue to live on in his family, his friends, and the community he cared so deeply about. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese, with funeral services beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Breese American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School or St. Augustine Catholic Church and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
