Gene Grabbe

On January 19, 2021 Eugene Joseph “Gene” Grabbe entered into eternal life. Gene was all about Faith and Family. He was born September 6, 1935 in Chicago. He felt so called by God that he dedicated his life to ministry. Gene started early in youth ministry with the Young Christian Workers. After receiving his Masters in Applied Theology, he continued into religious education working all over the country and eventually becoming the Director of Religious Education on a diocesan level. His last calling was to work for Glenmary Home Missions in North Mississippi which he did until he retired. Devoted to his ministry even after retirement, Gene continued to volunteer and support his local parishes with his time, talents and stewardship. Gene was blessed to have a true partner in life and ministry, his wife of 60 years, Mary Helen. He leaves behind her and their five children: Dianne Chatelain with her husband Mike, Glenn with his wife Joy, Sue Pepper with her husband John, Jon with his wife Tanya, and Tim with his wife Jenny. Gene also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, his brother Larry and sister Florence. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law MaryAnne and brother John. He loved family dearly and though his was spread far afield, he travelled often to visit them. He also loved gardening, cooking, feeding the birds and, of course, a good polka. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 23rd 10AM Central Time at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Interment will follow at American Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 8AM until 9:45AM on Saturday, January 23rd at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 8:30. Due to Covid restrictions, the local services will be family-only but if you would like to join us virtually, you may do so beginning at 8:30 through Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92095529200?pwd=YzNDbE16am1RVE1uYWt6diswSUF3dz09 Meeting ID: 920 9552 9200 Passcode: 265120 If you wish to honor Gene by a charitable donation, his favorite charities were Catholic Charities, Glenmary Home Missioners and Doctors without Borders.