Eugene ‘Gene’ R. Cudnohufsky

Eugene “Gene” was born May 9, 1934, in Kingsford, son of the late Rudolph and Blanche (Chamberlin) Cudnohufsky. Gene graduated from Kingsford High School in 1954. He worked for the Casa Loma restaurant and was nearly overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning in 1954. While being treated at the local hospital, Gene had a near-death experience, which he would recall as his “nanosecond” with God, who told him to “Go back, it’s not your time.”

This experience cemented him in his Catholic faith and also set into motion Gene’s desire to earn his nursing degree.He was able to achieve that goal entering the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing as one of the first two men. During his junior year Gene put his artistic talents to work designing a new starched cap, which was used in the 1963 capping ceremony. He graduated from Freeport Memorial Hospital nursing program, Freeport, Ill., receiving his license as an RN in September 1963. Gene worked as an RN at hospitals in Illinois and later as nursing supervisor at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, Wis. In 1977 while enlisted in the U.S. Army, Gene graduated from the Medical College of Georgia with a BA in nursing.

In May of 1966 Gene was recruited by the Army and entered as a first lieutenant. During his 20-year career Gene served the U.S. Army stationed in Fort Riley, Kan., as surgical head nurse; 121st Evac Hospital in Korea as surgical head nurse; Fort Sam Houston, Texas as assistant chief Department of Nursing; Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as chief surgical nurse; Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as chief surgical nurse and nurse methods analyst; and his last assignment, Fort Benning, Georgia, as chief family practice nurse.

He received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Marksman Qualification Badge. Gene was honored to serve his country and support the soldiers. Throughout his 20-year career with the military, he made many friends whom he kept in contact with until his final days. On Oct. 1, 1986, Gene retired as a lieutenant colonel, returning to Kingsford to be near family.

Gene was a gifted painter and crafter. He painted numerous canvases of the places he was stationed at over the years, which adorned his home. In his retirement years he taught his Uncle Adolph Cudnohufsky and his father Rudolph to paint. He also kept them both busy with crafts, wood carvings and latch hook projects to gift to family and friends.

Gene joined the Our Lady of Rosary Makers in 1999; during his life he hand-made over 31,000 rosaries for the organization, as well as for family and friends. He was an avid reader, focusing on books about his Catholic faith: the history, saints and miracles. He also enjoyed Ancient Aliens collecting books and CDs.

Everyone who met Gene became his friend; he loved them all and was quick to tell stories of his adventures throughout his lifetime. Gene was kept busy staying in contact not only with local friends, but many military friends and relatives near and far.

Gene tended to both of his parents, caring for them in their home through their final days. He also cared for his beloved Uncle Adolph and Aunt Elizabeth Cudnohufsky in their final days. In addition to his parents and his uncle and aunt, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd Cudnohufsky and Ronnie Cudnohufsky; a brother-in-law, Donald Ebidon; and two sisters-in-law, Nancy Cudnohufsky and Carol Witz. Gene’s three beloved dogs, Suzy, Bandit and Co-co, also preceded Gene; they’re patiently waiting for their master at the Rainbow Bridge.

Gene is survived by his beloved sister, Irene Ebidon of Kingsford and 11 very dear nieces and nephews: Donald Ray Ebidon Jr. of Kingsford; Daniel (Sheri) Ebidon of Middleville, Mich.; Derrick (Cheryl) Ebidon of Spring Lake, Mich.; Jared (Shawna) Cudnohufsky of Kingsford; Paula (Danny) Pummill of Triangle, Va.; Laura (Michael) Mainville of Florence, Wis.; Lloyd (Lorrie) Cudnohufsky of Hanceville, Ala.; Aaron (Laurie) Cudnohufsky of Grant, Fla.; Timur (Nancy) Cudnohufsky of Morganton, Ga.; Eugene (Arttie) Cudnohufsky of Iron Mountain; and John (Danita) Cudnohufsky of Kingsford. He is further survived by numerous great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Father Greg Heikkala will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Dickinson Memorial Gardens and Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will accord military graveside honors.

The family would like to express immense gratitude to the dedicated caregivers and support staff at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and Evergreen Assisted Living. Many became friends with Gene and visited with him on their personal time. The compassionate care, kindness and friendship extended to Gene during the past two years will never be forgotten. He was blessed to have you in his life, and we are blessed to have you in this community.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eugene’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans or the Almost Home Animal Shelter, Iron Mountain.

Condolences to the family of Eugene R. Cudnohufsky may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.