Robert "Gene" Eugene Worthen, 85, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. 

   

Gene was born in Bush, IL, on November 15, 1936 to Robert and Mary (Gale) Worthen. 

 

He married his hometown sweetheart, the farmer's daughter, Doris (Kaylor) on May 27, 1954.  Doris preceded him in death.  He then married Natalie Diane Bloomquist on February 16, 2008, who also preceded him in death.  Surviving are Gene's children, Charles Wayne (Pamela) Worthen of Fish Lake and Marilyn (William) Nicholson of Chesterton; 3 grandchildren, Ryan (Tifani) Williams of Kouts, Katie (Jim) Saunders of Hebron, and Emily-Ann (Matthew) Robbins of Fish Lake; 4 great-grandchildren, Hunter and Olivia Williams, Ben Saunders, and C.J. Robbins; 5 sisters, Rosemary Worthen, Nancy (Robert) Worthen-Vaughn, Sharon (Ira) Kirby, Ann (Roger) Sullivan, and Vivien (Brad) Powell; 6 brothers, Phillip Worthen, John (Donni) Worthen, Randy (Jeanie) Worthen, Tom (Vickie) Worthen, Mark (Barbara) Worthen, and Mike (Julie) Worthen; sister-in-law, Aleta Worthen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  He also leaves behind Jeffrey Kolba of Unionville, IL, who he referred to as his second son, and dear friend, Keith Pleva.

 

Preceding Gene in death are his wives, Doris and Natalie; grandsons, Martin Nicholson and Leon Robbins; brother, Woodrow Worthen; and sister-in-law, Linda Worthen.

 

Gene drove a truck and bus for most of his adult life.  He was a proud member of  the Lions Club and his Home Owners Association.  Gene enjoyed fishing, watching the lake from  his deck, cooking, and making his delicious homemade ice cream.  He traveled the country with his late wife, Doris, selling her artwork.  Gene will be especially remembered for the great way he kept in contact with his family and friends.

 

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center of La Porte. 

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte with Pastor John Albers officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. with the funeral directly following.   Interment at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, will take place at a later date .

 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lions Club, 190 Katie Lane, La Porte, IN 46350 or Hope Ministry, 432 S Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601.                              

 

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.