Eugene “Gene” Fruend
Mr. Eugene “Gene” Fruend of Nashville, IL departed this life at his residence on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 11:28 P.M. He had attained the age of 78 years and 4 months.
Gene was born on March 19, 1945, in Centralia, IL the son of the late Fred C. and Amanda (Reinkensmeyer) Fruend. He was united in marriage to Carol Beek on September 27, 1969, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Nashville and she survives his passing.
Gene grew up on a farm in Ferrin. After graduating Carlyle High School, he entered the Air Force reserves and served 6 years. Gene always had a love of farming and after moving to Nashville farmed for many years with his brother-in-law Reinholdt and nephew Dean Sprehe. During his time Gene also began working at National Mine Service Company and worked his way up from a job in the warehouse to plant manager before the closing of the plant. After the closing of National Mine Service Company, he started working at Bennett Metal Products in Mt. Vernon where he was employed for over 30 years.
He had a deep commitment to his family. Between working and farming, he spent every moment he could following his children and grandchildren in all their sports.
In 1996 he and his nephew Dean purchased a 1955 Case 400. They refurbished it and he became an avid antique tractor puller. You couldn’t find him in a happier place than when he was on his tractor pulling down the track. He was a member of the Antique Tractor Pulling Association.
Gene was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, where he served as usher, on the financial board, and served several years on the Trinity St. John’s school board. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 110 for 51 years.
Gene is survived by his wife Carol Fruend of Nashville, IL; three children, Janel Mueller and husband Mike of O’Fallon, Jody Liszewski of Nashville and Brad Fruend and wife Sherry of Flora; nine grandchildren, Kaity, Paige, Maicy and Peyton Mueller of O’Fallon, Hunter and Hope Liszewski and special friend Chandler Witte of Nashville Lily and special friend Jake Rowell of Pinckneyville and Emily and Molly Fruend of Flora; brother, Vernon Fruend and wife Carolyn of Carlyle, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ernest (Betty) Fruend; a sister, Esther (Reinholdt) Sprehe and a brother Bob (Elaine) Fruend. Gene and his brother Bob passed away on the same day.
Funeral services will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, IL on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 11 A.M. with Rev. David Benning and Rev. Timothy Mueller officiating. Interment will follow in the North Prairie Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville on Tuesday from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. and on Wednesday from 8:30 A.M. until the service hour.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Trinity St. John Lutheran School or the Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home, who is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online expressions of sympathy can be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com.
