Eugene John Pawlanta, age 79, of Waters, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2018.
Eugene was born on July 14, 1939 to John and Stella (Duhoski) Pawlanta. Born and raised in Saginaw, he attended Holy Family School. On May 5, 1962, he married the love of his life Ilona Schauffele. In 1979, they moved to Northern Michigan where he pursued his joy of hunting, fishing, and waxing cars. In 1982, he became the owner and head chef of the Frederic Inn, which he owned for 36 years, during which time he became a proud member of the St. Mary Catholic Church parish.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ilona; children Lisa (Chris) Narsesian and Ken (Kathleen) Pawlanta; grandchildren Trent, Chase, Kenley, Peter, Lake, Kaid, and Keane; brother Ron Pawlanta; and longtime friends Siss and Tammy.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister Maryann Booms.
A memorial gathering will be held at the Frederic Inn on October 3, 2018 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
Friends and family may leave condolences online at nelsonsfuneralhome.com.
9 comments on “Eugene Pawlanta”
llona and family,
We were so sorry to read about Gene’s passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lona, Kenny, Lisa and family, we were so saddened to hear this news and are very sorry for your loss. Gene was an amazing man! We always enjoyed visiting with him when he was at the Frederic Inn. Gene was always so “down to earth” and a friend to all. His spirit lives on. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and wishing you peace. Robin and Brad Little
Please accept our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this difficult time.
Isaiah 25:8
Gene was our Best Man some thirty years ago. Friend, business associate, even played in the dirt planting alliums! He danced, laughed, hugged, gave great advice, and boy did he make an awesome butter-bean soup in the Fall! Nobody will replace him, and he is sorely misses!
Gene and Lona have been our friends for many years. We graduated together from Holy Family High school in Saginaw, Michigan, stood up in each other’s weddings, remembering the fun times, the card games and the parties. Our thoughts are with your family as you grieve his loss.
Jerry and Nancy Swantek
Our sincere thoughts and prayers to the Gene Pawlanta family during your time of loss.
We’ve been friends forever and ever. My husband Jerry was in the National Guard with Gene and they were neighbors when young. We partied together lots of times, enjoyed the good times and bad. I’m so glad we saw Gene and Leona at our house after Jerry passed away, our son Chris, mentioned that to me also. Love you guys, and my deepest condolences to your family. P.S.- Great photo of Gene. Gerda Jones
Our deepest sympathy to Lona and family. May Gene Rest In Peace. My sister Mary Tesho and her late husband Bob were long time neighbors. I was also a Sherman Road neighbor for 15 years and loved the Frédéric Inn. My sister and I pray for Lona and family.
Bob Stinson
Port Huron
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. When you see somebody live such a long and fulfilling life, one may wonder why man has to die at all. But be assured, God has given us his personal promise, found in the Bible at Revelation 21:4, where he tells us that very soon he will do away with death and sickness from the Earth forever, and then he will resurrect Eugene to perfect life here on Earth, surrounded by family and friends, which has always been God’s purpose for mankind and for the Earth..