Eugene “Geno” Joseph Berchem, 87, of Niles, Michigan, passed away at 9:18 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Corwell Health, St. Joseph, MI.
He was born on December 24, 1938, to Donald N. and Margaret S. (Shute) Berchem at Passavant Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.
Geno was from Illinois, and he worked at the Production Tool Corporation. Geno was a respected businessman and entrepreneur. He dedicated much of his life to building and leading successful companies. In 1974, he co-founded the Industrial Maintenance Welding and Machining Company, where he served as President until his retirement in 2014.
In the 1970's, he came to LaPorte, Indiana (Kingsbury Industrial Park) where he and his partner inquired about buying equipment. They ultimately bought the entire company, which is now fifty years strong. Since that time, IMW has grown into four locations. Proving that hard work and dedication are essential to success.
“You will remember me by the works that I have done.”
Geno later co-founded Caster Maintenance Company in 1985. He served as President until retiring in 2014. Through his leadership, hard work, and integrity, Geno left a lasting impact on both businesses and those who worked alongside him. Geno often said that he was most proud of teaching lifelong skills to the employees whom he once worked alongside at Industrial Maintenance.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Geno was well known for his generous spirit and very kind heart. Geno was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and found great joy in supporting others.
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, strong work ethic, and compassion for others. Geno also had a deep love for animals of all kinds, which was a passion that brought him much happiness throughout his life.
Geno often said, "If you can't make it, don't kill it." Geno refused to kill flies or mosquitoes and carried other insects to safety.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
On July 21, 2015, in La Porte, he married Shelly (Pinks) Berchem, who survives. Shelly was also his caregiver from May 2020 until his passing.
Geno is also survived by two sons, Donald (Cindy) Berchem and Joseph Berchem; two step-daughters, Linda Yedla and Cynthia Herezi, from Illinois; one brother, John (Nancy) Berchem; and two stepsisters, Kathleen Pandola and Alice Ann Flreischer. Geno had multiple grandchildren, Joseph “Joe Jr.” Berchem, Geno Berchem, Caitlyn (Justin) Spence, and Megan Berchem; four step-grandchildren, Kurt Yedla, Michael (Courtney) Yedla, Cheyenne Herezi, and Josh (Jasmine) Herezi: three great-grandchildren, McKayla, Parker, and Jackson Spence; and eight step-great-grandchildren, Brittany, Donovan, Hillary, and Hayden Yedla, Stacia, Tyler, Kashmir, and Ivan Herezi.
Preceding in death were his parents, stepmother, Mary O’Dell Berchem, and stepsister, Joyce Theriault.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Holy Family Parish, 201 Bach St, La Porte, Indiana. A visitation and viewing will be held from 4 - 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte (219) 362-3100. Burial will be at 12 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte County Animal Control & The Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, IN 46350, or online at https://laporteco.in.gov/
