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Memorial Keepers(3)
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Gene Malvitz
September 5th, 1953 - April 2nd, 2020
September 5th, 1953 - April 2nd, 2020
I see you and all that you're going through...being stronger than anyone should ever have to be, making your way one day at a time...bearing the full weight of something so difficult. I see you, and even in the middle of all this, I see something inspiring,...the strength of someone who's affected by circumstance, but not defined by it. I see you rising, again and again, and I just know that one day soon you'll rise up and stay there.
Gene D Malvitz, 66, died peacefully at home in his cherished aspen-log bed on April 2, 2020, after losing his difficult battle with terminal cancer. Our beloved husband, father, brother, ‘Papa Gene’, son, friend, neighbor, relative, and co-worker who brought us all joy, left our lives too early that day.
Gene was retired and lived with his wife Lisa and dog Tober on their beautiful acreage in Lone Jack, MO. He is survived by his spouse; his children Jacob Malvitz (Brittney) and Jordan Malvitz; grandchildren Wyatt and Eli Malvitz; father Wayne Malvitz, siblings Gary Malvitz (Becky), Ken Malvitz, David Malvitz,(Donna), and Donna McElroy (Danny), as well as numerous extended relatives young and old. He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy and sister Mary Kaye.
Gene’s career was a combination of skilled craftsmanship and musicianship. He was a millwright for Owens Corning Fiberglass and held welder, rigger, and industrial maintenance and boilermaker positions throughout the Midwest.
Following his success as the frontman, lead singer, and guitarist in the band Country Strangers in his home state of Wisconsin, Gene also achieved success touring nationwide for more than a decade as a solo artist.
Cancer gradually took Gene's ability to sing, swallow, and eat normally. But it could never dampen his bigger-than-life personality, his loving and thoughtful consideration for family and friends, or his positivity and exceptional humor and goofiness. The image of our smiles reflected in his sparkling blue eyes will always be cherished by those of us who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, we request memorial contributions to specifically benefit the Palliative Medicine Division Legacy Fund at www.kuendowment.org/give. Alternatively, to recognize the condition his daughter Jordan suffers from, donations to Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas - 2018 Giving are also appreciated.
Please indicate donations to either charity are in memory of Gene Malvitz; donation-by-mail instructions follow:
By mail, KU Endowment, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160, to benefit the Palliative Medicine Division Legacy fund at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
By mail, Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri & Kansas 2340 E Meyer Blvd, Bldg. 1, Suite 300B, Kansas City, Missouri 64132
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Gene’s life with a heartfelt message.
Todd Krapfl
To Ken and Wayne and the rest of the family so sorry for your loss but he is not suffering any more and remember all the good times and memories , from Todd from Lomira and the hole ,you are a good friend Ken and I am always here for you and your family.
Aunt Bev & Uncle Mack
So sorry to hear of Gene’s death. You wrote a wonderful tribute about him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Adam
So, so sorry for your loss, Lisa. We will be thinking of you; please let me know if I or anyone from TouchNet can do anything for you. Hang in there.
Jill(Guelette) Seiler
So sorry for your loss. I went to grade school and high school with him always a nice guy. God bless you and your family
Kirk And Tracy Brunig
Gene lived next door to us. Gene and I seemed to both share an enormous passion for the outdoors (and all things mechanical). He was always there to lend a helping hand. Gene and Lisa said they even enjoyed watching our (noisy) Guineas run through there yard. Tober has even taken a liking to the birds. We were fortunate to have known Gene. His memory and impact on all of us lives on.
Roxanne Clark
Lisa, I’m Gene’s cousin Roxanne from Wisconsin. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I remember Gene as a teenager, so sweet and he could sing like an angel. Gene was a pallbearer at my mom’s funeral. She loved Gene very much. Gene’s sister Donna and I were called “The twins”. We looked so much alike. Give a hug to Uncle Wayne if you can from “Roxie”.
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