Gene Taft

Gene L. Taft, age 94, of Cornell, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Iron Mountain VA Medical Center.

Gene was born on September 26, 1929, in Ensley, MI the son of LaVern and Alma (Shindorf) Taft. Gene grew up in the Ensley area and graduated from Alma High School in the class of 1947. Following high school, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1949, Gene met Dawn and in 1950 they were united in marriage. They began their family while Gene was still actively serving in the armed forces. After his honorable discharge, he worked in various sales and trucking jobs until he retired to his lake front home in Stonington. They later relocated closer to town, in Brampton for a number of years before moving to their permanent residence in Cornell in 1997.

Gene loved hunting, trying to get the biggest buck, and anything outdoors. He also loved fishing and fished for Blue Gill on the Chicago Lake every year. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and his wife Dawn.

Gene is survived by his children Randy Taft of Lyon, MI, and Valerie (Gary) Sisson of Scotts, MI; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, LaVern and Alma, wife Dawn Taft, son Ricky Taft, sister June Taft, and brother Duane (Lila) Taft.