Gene was born on March 16,1934 in Breese, IL to Elmer and Olga Knieriemen. After graduating from Hammond High School (IN) in 1952, Gene enlisted in the United States army during the Korean conflict. Before shipping out, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Carol Patrick, on June 11, 1953. And with $100 in his pocket (a wedding gift from his father), the newlyweds travelled to the Army base in Virginia to begin their future together.
After honorably serving in the army, Gene began a long, accomplished career in the computer systems’ industry. His skill at providing outstanding customer service won him many awards and promotions, including Regional Manager overseeing the computer operations for the Nasa Space Program. Along the way, he touched the lives of and helped many people succeed at a personal and professional level. Gene was a great people person; always ready with a well told joke or interesting story, when he wasn’t focused on solving equipment, customer, personnel, or other issues that a Regional Manager deals with.
In 1992, Gene took early retirement to spend more time with his family and to “tinker” with various projects at a more leisurely pace. In particular, he enjoyed spending more time with Carol and with his youngest grandchild, Andrew, who visited each day after school. Andrew was only 5 when his grandfather retired and the two of them got into a lot of mischief together, much to the delighted annoyance of Carol.
Unfortunately, Gene’s bride of 50 years died in 2003, and he became a widower at 69 years old. The years following Carol’s death were difficult for Gene, but he eventually became part of a small weekly “Sams Club” lunch group, and the camaraderie did him much good.
Gene greatly loved everyone in his family and is survived by his daughter, Debbie Roquemore (Robin); son, Jeff Knieriemen (Kathy) and son, Chuck Knieriemen. Grandchildren, Chris Knieriemen (Reata); Matt Knieriemen (Alicia); Lauren Drapp (Brantly); and Andrew Kerai (Denise); sister, Phyllis Seegers (Paul); brothers, Don Knieriemen (Kathy) and Ken Knieriemen (Kathy); sister-in-law, Peggy Patrick. Plus, numerous great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces; too numerous to name, but no less loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Olga; wife, Carol; sister, Donna Jean; and brother Alan.
There will be a small graveside service for family members in April.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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