Eugene Drenth

Eugene Ray Drenth, 74, of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024, with his loving family beside him. He was born on June 13, 1950, in Charlevoix, the son of Gerrit and Wilma (Heeres) Drenth.

Gene graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1968, and went on to attend Grand Valley for two years before enlisting in the United States Army in 1970 during Vietnam. Upon his discharge from active duty in 1972, he received training at RETS Electronic Schools. He began working at Big Rock Nuclear Plant in 1976; he held several positions over the years, but his favorite was being an instructor, and teaching others. Before the plant shut down, they offered employees the opportunity to go back to school. He took advantage of the offer and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Arbor University in 1997, and became an ordained minister in 2001 through Trinity Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.

Gene dedicated much of his time in Ellsworth and the surrounding communities volunteering and teaching others. Over the years, he served on several boards including a local church, Ebenezer Christian School, Good Samaritan Family Services, and the American Legion Post 488. He also devoted much of his time to serving with Keryx prison ministry. Gene was a proud veteran and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Aircraft Crewman’s Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and Sharpshooter. He was also recognized as an honoree on a mid-Michigan Honor Flight and received a Quilt of Valor for his dedicated service in the United States Army.

Gene had little time for himself outside of serving his community which he truly loved. However, when he had time, he enjoyed studying, gardening, and filling in for other pastors at several churches in the area.

On October 1, 1977, Gene married the love of his life, Patty (Wallick) Drenth, who survives. Also surviving are his two daughters, Faith (Jeremy) DeYoung, and Hope (Tim) Broxterman; his brother, Chet (Marlene) Drenth; his sister-in-law, Brenda Drenth; and three grandchildren, Emma, Tyler, and Kerri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Thelma (Henry) Koens; his brother, Gary Drenth; and his half-brother, Don Heeres.

Funeral Services will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Lighthouse Missionary Church, 7824 Rogers Rd., East Jordan, MI 49727. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, at the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. There will also be a time for visiting at the church on Friday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Christian School, PO Box 158, Ellsworth, MI 49729 (online https://ebenezerchristian.org/financial-giving/) or Good Samaritan Family Services, PO Box 206, Ellsworth, MI 49729 (online https://www.thegoodsam.org/give).

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com