Eugene J Haley

Eugene James Haley, 92, of Wales Township passed away Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at Blue Water Hospice Home after a short illness.

Gene was born on February 9th, 1933 in Detroit to the late Vincent and Margaret “Bessie” Haley. He attended Assumption Grotto School and graduated from St Joe’s Boys School in 1951.

He completed a toolmaker apprenticeship and then served his country in the U.S. Army. He was employed with General Motors for over thirty years before his retirement.

Gene was a loving husband to Elizabeth “Betty” for 64 years before her passing in 2021. Together they raised six children and realized their dream of living on land passed down through the generations that came before them. In 1975, with the help of many friends, the Haley family built their home on Webb Road.

Gene Haley found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was most happy on his farm, whether surrounded by family and friends at the annual Labor Day picnics or taking a quiet ride through the woods. Gene took great pride in a hard day’s work on his land - from cutting wood, baling hay, digging up another beautiful fieldstone, or tinkering with a project in his shed. At the end of the day, you might catch him eating a slice of Betty’s homemade berry pie or enjoying an impressively large bowl of ice cream. Above all, he loved his family.

True to his Irish roots, Gene was always ready to share a good story. He could tell you everything you needed to know in just a few words and would always send you off with a firm handshake.

Gene was a lifetime parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. He was an active member of The Knights of Columbus, Fr. Farrell Council #7918, and freely served his church in many capacities.

Gene is survived by his son, Brian (Kim) of Kenockee Township; four daughters, Carol (Scott) Watson of Avoca, Nancy (William) Kimmel, of Metamora, Mary (John) Kershner of Galesburg and Terese (Ron) Seagle of Plainwell; his daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Haley of Oak Harbor, OH; 13 grandchildren, Meghan, Kevin, Kate, Kristin, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Emma, Mikayla, Ryan, Heather, Brett, Kelsey and Haley; 13 great-grandchildren Aileen, Alice, Owen, Connor, Graham, Hazel, Quinn, Margaret, Dominic, Zoey, Hayden, Greyson and Knox; brother, James (Christine) Haley; sister-in-law Joanne Haley; and special friend and caregiver, Laurie Stawecki. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Eugene Haley; his brother, John “Jack” Haley; and his grandson, Daniel Vincent Haley.

The family honors the memory of Eugene and invites you to visit and share memories from 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

The Rite of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025 in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Reverend Tom Kuehnemund will officiate. Burial will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Knights of Columbus, Fr. Farrell Council #7918 or Blue Water Hospice Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com