April 17, 1940 January 27, 2024
Eugene Michael Kufskie, 83, of Belleville, Illinois and Maple City, Michigan passed away at home in Belleville with his immediate family at his bedside on January 27, 2024. Gene worked as a rate analyst for Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific Railroads for over 40 years. This career paved the way for him to learn about Leelanau County and make his first trip there in 1976. Gene was studying the rail line through Suttons Bay, Michigan and in consultation with his wife, Joan, planned a family trip to visit that also coincided with the opening of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. While Gene and his family traveled to many states, they kept returning to Leelanau County to enjoy its unique beauty and the activities his family loved including biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming and beach walking.
Both of Gene’s daughters, Mary and Chris, eventually made the move to northern Michigan. In 2008, Gene and Joan moved here each spring to open up their summer home near Maple City. In his later years, Gene spent many summer days kayaking and swimming in Bass Lake (by Good Harbor Bay). Bass Lake became his special place—his family will always associate this beautiful lake with his spirit that lives there forever. If his face and smile are familiar to you, you may have seen him at his favorite eateries including Pegtown Station for breakfast, Cedar Tavern, the Leland Lodge enjoying the outdoor patio with a beer and burger, and Market 22.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Chares and Margaret. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maureen (Joan) Kufskie and his two daughters Mary (Mike) Beaudry of Canadian Lakes, and Christine (Keith) Sykes of Cedar; a grandson, Evan Sykes, of Traverse City, a brother Michael (Bonnie) Kufskie and other dear family members.
Gene will also be remembered for his smile, energy and love of physical activity outside in nature. A private family celebration of life ceremony will take place at Bass Lake in Leelanau County in August.
