Obituary
At age 87 after “one HELLUVA run,” Gene sank his last putt on January 14th, 2022 in Ocala, Fl.
Gene is survived by his children David Earl and Dana Earl (Ron Gore), sisters Patricia Smith and Joy Roth, brother John Earl, sister in laws Anita Earl and Carol North Hampton, Grandchildren Jenna (Brandon) Rudder, Jaime (Jon) Henigman, Jackson Earl and Eric Meza, Great Grandchildren Holly Rudder, Rowan Rudder, and Sage Henigman as well as 11 Nieces and Nephews. Also surviving is Sherrill Ferrera, a childhood friend having been side by side with Gene the last 10 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Faye Earl, his wife Alyce Marlene (North), and brothers Carl Earl and infant David Earl.
Gene was born in the coal community of Zeigler IL in 1934. He graduated from Zeigler HS in 1952, and enlisted in the US Navy serving until 1954. Gene and Marlene married December 22nd, 1956 and enjoyed a loving, supportive, and active marriage for 52 years. Gene earned a BS Social Studies ‘59 and M.Ed. ’61, both at SIU-Carbondale. Gene began his teaching/coaching career in Bridgeport and Sesser, IL and in 1964 took a position at Niles West HS in Skokie IL until his retirement in ’90. After that, Gene travelled and played A LOT of golf.
Gene is an IHSA Coaches Hall of Fame inductee, was a Country music fan, and had great enthusiasm for College Women/ Men Basketball, College Football, and of course…Pro Golf.
A Memorial Service/ Celebration of Life are scheduled for June 18th, 2022 from 5pm-9pm at Fox Run Golf Course 333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village IL 60007 (additional parking across street). Service at 6pm. Officiant Pastor Paul Giersz. Light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. “Gang, it’s great to be a winner!”
Service
333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village IL 60007
Visitation
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village IL 60007
I join you in mourning Gene's passing. I last spoke with Gene just before last Christmas and he still was re-living and rejoicing about our boys basketball championship reunion a few years earlier. I made it a point to be sure he received an embroidered championship jackets like all the players he helped guide to the varsity. And he regaled in telling how people stopped him in Florida and asked where he got the jacket. But what really bowled him over (and many others) when he learned that jacket won me the top designer award in a national competition which defeated the Kardashians for the first time in 7 years! We both celebrated that!
I got to know Gene better the past few years and he was as genuine a person as you could meet. He was an underrated coach but I along with many others celebrated his State Championship with the Niles West girls' team.
I will remember Gene as one of my favorite people. I'm so glad that I could bring him some joy in his final years.
Dave Mann
Gayle Hortelano
#14 Class of '89
Claudia M. ‘88 #22
Claudia M ‘88 EG
Evanston, Il. Book signing
“State”!!!
“Almost” Earls Girls…RIP Coach. Your support and devotion meant so much to all of us. You will be remembered and missed by family, friends, colleagues and every athlete you ever coached.
Hit ‘em straight Mr. E!!
❤️Rich & Carol Hess