Eugene Thomas McLaughlin

Gene was born on September 6, 1929, the fifth of seven sons born to Charles and Jane (Aller) McLaughlin of the Irish Settlement, Cumming, Iowa. Gene grew up on the McLaughlin Family farm and graduated from Martensdale High School in 1948. Gene married the love of his life, Consuelo (Connie) Camacho on September 1, 1962. They were blessed with two sons and one daughter. Gene lived his early life in the Irish Settlement. He farmed in the beginning and then he proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, 1951-1953 and was stationed in Panama. He worked for Sidles Auto Parts and Hawkeye Auto Supply. Gene was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in West Des Moines. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and sang in the traditional choir as well as his beloved Irish Group Choir.

Gene lived his life in dedicated service to his church and family. He held faith and family first, always. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs and he enjoyed watching sports on television and attending sporting events, especially his grandchildren’s games and all their activities & events.

Gene was a man of few words, but he loved to converse on certain topics. He loved to talk about the weather and the Hawkeyes. He was a great listener and he loved to observe. He will always be remembered for his humble and kind ways. He was a loving husband for 42 years and a tremendously devoted father who taught his children the true meaning of faith through his daily example. Gene enjoyed precious time with his seven grandchildren, always making each child feel so very special. He had a special talent for drawing and sketching and he created artwork for his high school yearbooks. He will also forever be known as “the cool uncle” with the cool cars.

Gene will be dearly missed and forever loved by his sons, Mark (Kathleen Mummert) McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin, and his daughter, Michele McLaughlin Ruggieri; grandchildren, Connor Ruggieri, Logan Ruggieri, Kaden Ruggieri, Eva Ruggieri, Luke McLaughlin, Sean McLaughlin, Marleen McLaughlin; sister-in-law Sandy McLaughlin and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife, Connie; his parents, Charles and Jane; his brothers, Charles, Vernon, Francis "Bud", Ray, Lewis, and Marvin McLaughlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter.