- Date Of Birth: July 7, 1934
- Date Of Death: February 11, 2022
- State: Illinois
Gene C. Jordan, age 87,
Gene was born July 7, 1934, in Winslow, IL to Clifford and Ruth (Weckerly) Jordan. He attended Salem, a one room schoolhouse outside of McConnell through 8th grade, and Winslow School until they redrew the boundary lines when he transferred to Orangeville High School. At 17 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and left to serve in Korea.
He was in the 7th Marine, 1st Battalion, Able Company, Anti-Tank Company/Weapons Company. He shipped over on November 10, 1952 and returned on November 10, 1953. He said he never forgot the date because it was the Marine Corps birthday. Later in life he enjoyed reminiscing about his Marine buddies, made a point of looking them up and staying in touch (Ajiebo, Bob and Pete). Gene and June attended several Marine Corps reunions for their division.
He was a member of The McConnell American Legion Post 1225 and the Korean War Veterans. Several years ago he was interviewed about his experiences in Korea. That interview can be viewed here. He was very proud that his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and beyond could hear his story.
Gene returned to the McConnell/Orangeville area when he was discharged and worked a variety of jobs, including at the Orangeville cheese factory. He played softball and baseball in the Freeport area in his free time. Gene later took a technical course and got a job repairing televisions for Hartman’s in Freeport. When Kelly-Springfield moved to Freeport he was hired, working there for 30 years in various positions, ending as a labor trainer when he retired.
Gene married June Holloway on June 15, 1957 at the Winslow Methodist parsonage by Reverend Murray. They raised their family in Orangeville, enjoying friends and family vacations, planting big gardens, and attending school sporting events. For many years Gene was a volunteer coach for Orangeville summer baseball teams including Little League.
They enjoyed warm weather and wintering in Yuma, Arizona and had a community of friends there, as well. He loved sports (the Packers and the Cubs), fishing (especially with Harry), hunting and gardening. He raised bumper crops of sweet onions and provided produce for his neighborhood. He believed in working hard, arriving early and enjoying good food with friends and family.
Gene will be dearly missed by his wife, June and children Brenda Pearson of Massbach; Vickie Toschak (John) of Yorkville; Jeffrey Jordan (Connie) of Hartland, WI.
His brother David Jordan (Shirley) of Rock City.
His grandchildren Emily Hubbard (Ashley), Morgan Pearson, Zachary Toschak, Jordan Toschak, Benjamin Toschak, Rachel O’Neill (Ryan), and Anna Jordan (fiancé Steve Kamke).
His great grandchildren Elivia and William Hubbard, Zoe and Zachary Toschak, and Ryder and Raegan O’Neill.Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Ruth Jordan; his brother John, and his sister-in-law Inge Jordan.
