MARENGO — Eugene John Kueking, 83, of Marengo, formerly of Monroe Center, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. Gene was born on Jan. 22, 1937 to Edwin and Clara (Krecker) Kueking in Orchard Place.

He served with the National Guard Reserves. Gene married Kathryn L. Ehmen on May 25, 1996 in Marengo. She preceded him in death on Jan. 7, 2017.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is also predeceased by his sister, Marian Runge and brothers, Fred and Carl Kueking.

Gene was a heavy equipment operator for 58 years and a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening and socializing with his friends and family.

Gene is survived by his three children, Barbara (Dan) Susong of Marengo, Linda (Dan) Marshall of Montgomery, and Janice (Bob) Jurack of Waukeesha; brother, Roger (Cynthia) Kueking of Marengo; sister-in-law, Grace Kueking Addison; seven grandchildren, Michael (Wendy) Susong, Kayla (Michael) Bindner, Jordan Susong, Matthew and Danielle Marshall, Drew and Hayley Jurack; two great-grandchildren, Alexander and Harley; five step children, Toni (Dan) Busser-Heidal of Stillman Valley, Pam Montanari of Clearwater, Florida, Lori Catron of Esmond, Dan Ehmen of Rockford, and Rhonda (Brad) Conderman of Monroe Center; 14 step grandchildren, Brian (Lindsey) Busser, Michele (Tom) McDonald, Jackie (Kyle) Bennett, Matthew Montanari, Molly Baker, Mandy (Travis) Huckabee, Courtney (Dave) Tapscott, Brittany Catron, Dusty, Heather and Kellie Ehmen, Corina (Ben) Pehler, Jessica (Kyle) Enot and Jacob Conderman; 13 step great grandchildren; and special friend, Joni Hutson.

There will be a private family graveside service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 with Pastor Hiliary Van Utt officiating at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. The graveside service will be live-streamed on the Unger-Horner Funeral Home Facebook page. 

There will be a celebration of Gene’s life at a later date.  

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.