EUGENE LAWRENCE WILHELM

Eugene Lawrence Wilhelm passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 20, 2026. Eugene was born in Tiffin, Ohio on August 26,1933. He was the beloved son of the late Margaret (Desch) and John Wilhelm. He is one of twelve siblings, survived by his brothers Don (Mary Ellen), Karl (Rosalie) and sister-in-law Dody, preceded by late Robert, Paul (Emily), Ray (Rose), Helen (Joe), Sister Mary Beth, Dorothy (Emmett), Alice (Jim), Bill, and John (Marge).

He was a loving husband of sixty-seven years to the late Patricia (Lowe), cherished father of seven: Mike (Sarah Allison), Sue (David King), Steve (Tina), Tom (Janice), Mary (Bill Hubbard), Liz (Jim Huth), and Laura (Mike Hubbard); grandfather of twenty-three: Artie (Lindsey), Justin (Jill), Adam, Josh, Rachel, Ian (Danielle), Zach, Megan, Maggie (Kevin), Salena (Stephen), Corey, Marissa, Anna, Jack, Isabelle, Nate, Emily, Aidan, Jordan, Grace, Braeden, Joe, and Maria; and great grandfather of six: Zach, Juliet, Oaklyn, Grant, Owen and Miles.

After finishing high school, Gene proudly served in the US Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean War aboard USS Amphion. He retired as Damage Controlman Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Following his retirement from the Navy, he moved back to Tiffin, where he continued dating Pat, whom he later married. His love of carpentry continued as he built homes in Tiffin and eventually constructed their first home. They later moved to Cleveland, where he used his many talents in carpentry before opening a display business with his partners.

Gene was a man of strong faith and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed planning many trips with Pat and his family. Gene spent countless hours volunteering with Habitat, helping the less fortunate, and the many projects he completed at church.

He will be dearly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Colman Church, 2027 W. 65th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102 on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. The family invites visitors at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions can be made to: The Friends of St. Colman at 2027 W. 65th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102 or Habitat for Humanity at 2110 W 110th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102

www.clevelandhabitat.org