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Ivan Preston Obituary
Ivan E. "Gene" Preston, 96, of Comstock Park, Mich., formerly of Stevensville, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, at home.
A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph, with Pastor Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Township Cemetery. Friends can visit with the family Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4201 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509; or Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 556-9450.
Gene was born on June 9, 1925, to Clair and Pearl (Francisco) Preston in Chicago.
He graduated from high school in Portland, Ore. He then continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, and played football for the Sooners.
He was enrolled in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), and served as an ensign in the United States Navy.
On Jan. 8, 1949, Gene married the love of his life, Marlius Heyn, in Bridgman.
Gene worked as a computer programmer for Clark Equipment in Benton Harbor before retiring in 1982.
Gene was always ready for his next adventure. He was a pilot for Civil Air Patrol in Berrien County. He enjoyed hang gliding, scuba diving and hot air balloon rides. He also loved traveling across 49 states and Nova Scotia in his pickup truck and RV. Gene was commonly found working on his computer, reviewing his family genealogy and putting together spreadsheets.
Gene is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marlius Preston; daughter, Marsha Preston; grandchildren, Dane and Sydney Preston; daughter-in-law, Amy Preston; and siblings, Virginia (Gordon) Piper and Carole (Ron) Obermeyer.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Pearl Preston; son, Gary Preston; and sister, Lyla Richards.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Preston
1 Entry
Doug & Jan Ogonowski
October 21, 2021
So sorry to hear about Gene's passing. Our prayers are with you.
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Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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