Gene A. Smeltzer

     Gene A. Smeltzer, aged 56, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, following a brief illness in his hometown of Elkhart, IN. Gene was born on June 26, 1968, to the late Glennis L. Smeltzer and Beverly (Reiner) Smeltzer. 

     Gene's memory is lovingly cherished by his wife, Kathy who was blessed to have spent the last 29 years loving him, his son Levi Smeltzer, daughter Courtney Snyder and his grandchildren Cooper, Rhyatt, and Wesson. He also leaves behind his sister Lawanna (Timothy) Price, Christy Grooms, as well as several nieces and nephews who loved and adored him. He was preceded in death by his siblings Renee Smeltzer and Todd Smeltzer. 

     Gene was a skilled welder at Newmar Corporation where his dedication and skill showed through in his work and were unmatched. He was a true Michigan fan. There were only rare moments when you wouldn’t see him sporting his favorite Michigan hat. If he didn't have his favorite hat, it was swapped for his favorite bandana to ride his custom-built Harley. His dogs, Sunny and Bella, were his four-legged best friends and Sunny could usually be found snuggled onto his lap any chance he could get while Bella enjoyed joining him in the kitchen for snacks. Most of all Gene loved his role of Papa. He never missed a chance to play catch, he taught both Cooper and Rhyatt to ride their bikes and always got a kick out of Messy Wessy. Gene and his family loved visiting their happy place, Nokomis Florida where they would spend their days soaking up the sun and walking the beach with a cold Miller Lite, searching for shark teeth, and visiting their favorite restaurant, Pelican Alley. Gene's legacy will live on in the hearts and stories of the people who loved him.  

     A special thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff in the Critical Care Unit at Elkhart General Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness to Gene and his family. 

     A visitation will take place, Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4:00PM – 7:00 PM, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St. Mishawaka. Funeral Services will take place at 7:00PM in the Funeral Home following the visitation. 

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