Eugene Schiavo

Eugene passed away at his home, surrounded by family with his daughter by his side. A beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Gene lived a life full of dedication, passion, and kindness.

Gene was born in Crystal Falls, and graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1960. During his high school years, he excelled in athletics, particularly football and basketball. It was at this time that he began dating Marjorie Jacobson, an Iron River girl who he would spend the rest of his life with. The high school sweethearts married on Nov. 24, 1962, and celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Gene went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. Gene and Marge then spent some time in Milwaukee, where Gene taught industrial arts at the VA Hospital. Eventually, they moved back to the U.P., settling in a house in Kingsford where they would live for over 50 years.

Gene’s dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities shaped his life’s work. He worked for the State of Michigan for nearly 30 years as a rehabilitation counselor. After retiring in 1994, he and Marge would winter in Lakeland, Fla., where he remained active and made several lifelong friends.

Throughout his life, Gene participated in sports, where he won many trophies over the years in bowling, golf, and fast-pitch softball. He often talked of the days he pitched in the fast pitch leagues and he recorded his third hole-in-one at 79 years old.

When his grandchildren began their athletic endeavors, Gene could be found in the stands cheering them on. He was proud of his son-in-law when he became a high school coach. Gene did not miss many of his games and enjoyed following his teams, often accompanying them on the bus to road games.

Gene loved the outdoors. For many years, he participated in an annual canoe trip with his family and friends, an adventure he cherished deeply, enjoying both the solitude of nature and the laughter shared with loved ones. He looked forward to his Novembers at camp with his brother and nephews. He often prepared the meals and enjoyed his role as “Camp Cook.”

Gene was also an accomplished musician. He could play several instruments, many of which were self taught. It all began with the accordion that he learned to play at 8 years old. During his high school years he played the clarinet in the concert band, pep band and the marching band. He also played in the Crystal Falls Lions marching band for many years.

But beyond his athletic and musical achievements, Gene was best known for his selflessness and commitment to helping others. Whether volunteering or working directly, Gene devoted much of his time to helping those in need, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many. He served on Community Mental Health and Kingsford Housing Commission Boards. He devoted decades of volunteerism as a Kingsford, Crystal Falls, and then a Norway/Vulcan Lion, which included serving as a District Governor for the service organization.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Jon) Lorenzoni of Kingsford, Gina (Gary) Hoaglund of Quinnesec; six grandchildren, Alex, Olivia, Grace and Ella Lorenzoni, Danielle and Casey Hoaglund; four great- grandchildren,Treyton, Madison, Porter and Riley; a sister-in-law, Merle Schiavo; one niece, Julie (Mark) Aho; three nephews, Gregg (Wendy) Schiavo, Jon (Mary) Schiavo and Jeff (Jackie) Schiavo; and special friend Diane Lutsey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; son Daniel Schiavo; and brother Bernard “Pinky” Schiavo.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025.

Gene will be remembered not only for his love of life and sports but also for the kindness and compassion he showed to everyone he met. He will be missed deeply, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gene Schiavo online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

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