Eugene Switzer

Eugene Robert Switzer, age 80 of Petoskey, died peacefully September 30 at the Villa on the Bay from recently diagnosed lung cancer.

Gene was born March 13, 1936 in Petoskey, son of Wallace T. and Mabel (Stewart) Switzer.  He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1954 and earned his B.A. from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.  Gene served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1964.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Gene worked at Petoskey Portland Cement until it closed and then worked many years for Boyne USA.  More recently, he faithfully delivered the Petoskey News Review to many rural customers.

Gene was a lover and promoter of all things Michigan and Petoskey.  There was never a sunset more beautiful or a day more clear than in his beloved Northern Michigan. As a lifelong sports enthusiast, he was always ready to discuss facts and opinions about his favorite teams, especially MSU and the Detroit Tigers.  Gene was also a member of the Petoskey United Methodist Church all his life and sang in its choir as well in the Bay View choir.

“Gene was well-loved by the many people who could see into his kind heart,” said his sister, Mary Switzer Rees of Rochester, N.Y. “He bonded with those who responded to his goodness and to his interest in them.”

Gene is survived by sister Mary (James), his nephew Kevin Dunlap Rees, wife Jennifer and their children Aedan and Abby of Novato, Calif., his niece-in-law Joan Rees and her (and Aaron's) children Jackson, Isabella, and Harper of Ipswich, Mass. Local relatives include his aunt Carolyn Switzer and cousins Linda Switzer Berchem (Steve), Paul Switzer (Carolyn), Sandy Switzer LeValley (Paul) and Sarah Moran Martin (Thomas) of Walloon Lake and West Chester, Pa.

Visiting hours are Friday, October 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Stone Funeral Home, Inc. 2098 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey. A memorial service will be held for Gene Saturday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Petoskey United Methodist Church, with a luncheon there to follow. Interment is private, where Gene will be honored as a long-standing member of the Petoskey Masonic Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Minister’s Discretionary Fund or to the choir fund c/0 Petoskey United Methodist Church, 1804 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey 49770 .

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