Obituary of Eugene Paulino

What a wonderful life Gene made for himself! He was strong, determined and very ingenious! He never earned the degree of an engineer but definitely was one in his own right.

As a young 18-year-old, he served his country on the front lines in Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After being injured, he returned home with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star in recognition of his service in World War II. He was a true hero! 

Gene married Marion Weeks. They were married for 72 years. He was busy with his career as a foreman for a lumber company in Lansing raising his family of eight, one boy and seven girls. Thank God he came first.

To keep their sanity, Gene, Marion and the family traveled to their lakefront property at Pretty Lake. There, he perfected his skills of building and excavating. It was a fun cottage for all, countless hours were spent working, and building, but never was enjoyment lacking. From motor boat rides, skiing, fishing, and later pontoon cruising. He was a true family man. Helpful, patient and instructive.

Upon his retirement years, the cottage turned into his Homestead. Turning the rustic and cozy charm of their cottage into their year round home was his life‘s passion. Because he was such a worker and doer of things, he struggled watching others do what he couldn’t do anymore. But he had warm smiles of appreciation. Gene loved people, especially his wife and family. Gene will be missed by all who knew him, but Heaven gained a great man!

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Fannie Paulino; brothers, Rex Paulino, Leo Paulino, and Daniel Paulino; sisters, Mary Leyrer, and Viola Smith; and son in law, Greg Braun.

He is survived by his wife, Marion (Weeks) Paulino; children Rodney (Pat) Paulino, Cathy Braun, Karen Dyer, Cheryl (Don) Heriford, Carol Stevens, Mary Ann (John) Loveless, Debra (Mark) Giles, Pamela (Roger) Hankins; 21 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; an extensive extended family, and many close friends.