Eugene Schalk Obituary

Eugene N. "Gene" Schalk

Jul 20, 1932 - Feb 24, 2025

Fostoria

Eugene N. (Gene) Schalk, 92, became the newest engineer in heaven at 6:40 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025, while at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital surrounded by family.

He was born the second child of the late Linus R. and Berneda S. (Clouse) Schalk on July 20, 1932, in Fostoria.

He graduated in 1950 from St. Wendelin High School and in 1955 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit.

Gene married Elizabeth A. (Betty) Herb on September 3, 1955 in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sandusky.

He is survived by his five children, Linda S. (Alfredo Diaz) Schalk, Fremont, Marcia A. (Bradley) Walters, Pickerington, Jeffry E. (Stacy) Schalk, Herndon, Virginia, Sandra K. (Christopher) Donahoe, Lakewood, and Nicholas E. (Berenice) Schalk, New Braunfels, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Meghaan Walters, Kathryn (Sam) Hensley, Andrew (Adrienne Gonzalez) Walters, Joshua (Geno Salvatore) Schalk, Adam (Katharine) Schalk, Marian Donahoe, Aaron (Julie) Donahoe, Christin (Gabriel) Brown, Brian Donahoe, Kellyn Donahoe, Nicole Schalk-Virgen, and Matthew Schalk-Virgen; great grandchildren, Charli Elizabeth Hensley, and Olivia Ann Walters, due in April 2025. Bonus son, Rodolfo Solis (Karla) in Costa Rica, and bonus grandchildren, Rodolfo José and Julian Solis, Elena Sanchez Brenes (Abraham Valerio), Lee (Raedel), Esteban (Monica), and Mario (Patti) Diaz, Maria Kern (Nicholas Piccuito), Sarah (Casper) Kiser; and 12 bonus great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou; and his brother, Larry; multiple special nieces and nephews, and many, many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; older brother, Donald S. Schalk; and sister, Rose Ann Nye.

Gene was a lifelong learner, reading anything and everything that came to his attention. He was very proud of being married to Betty for over 66 years. His hobbies included gardening, handyman projects, camping with family and friends, playing various card games, and traveling throughout 47 States and 57 countries. He loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren and his first great-grandchild.

Baptized, raised, and a faith-filled lifelong member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church, he was actively involved in church affairs, having served on Parish Council and multiple church & school committees, including leading the funding drive for building the new St. Wendelin Catholic Church. He was a member of Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council No. 1197 and 4th Degree Assembly 845.

His involvement in the community included serving as a board member of United Way, Seneca Re-Ads, Camp Fire, Chamber of Commerce, and FEDC. He was a past member of the Boards of Directors of Commercial Bank, Tiffin University, Fostoria Industries, TPI Corporation, Industrial Heating Equipment Association, and Roppe Holding Company, often serving in leadership roles. He remained an active member of Fostoria Rotary Club, University Club and Greater Fostoria Community Foundation until his death.

Gene retired in 1997 as President of Fostoria Industries, Inc, after 39 years of service, where when asked what he did, he always replied that he 'shuffled papers.'

He was a veteran of the US Air Force.

When asked recently how he wanted to be remembered he replied, "Most of all I would like to be remembered as a generous faith filled family man that served as a great example for my family, my work and my community."

Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, with his nephew, the Reverend David Schalk, presiding and the Reverend Joseph Poggemeyer and the Reverend Krzysztof Kardis, concelebrating and Deacon Alfredo Diaz assisting at the altar. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Wendelin Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is from 3-7 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, at Hoening and Son Funeral Home, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria. A Rosary will be prayed beginning at 6:30 p.m. 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard will take place from 6-7 p.m. with a Chalice Presentation at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made in Gene's name to St. Wendelin Catholic Church, Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family wishes to thank the multiple medical professionals who provided care and support to Gene especially over the last few years, including Dr. Terrence Fondessy and team, Dr. Kami Maddocks and the oncology team at OSU Wexner Medical Center, Drs. Amad Hariri and Ronald Wainz, and all the staff members of ProMedica Fostoria Community, and Toledo Hospitals many of whom knew him as "Eugenius."

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com