Eugene 'Gene' Trandel, 89, of Cary

Eugene “Gene” Trandel, 89, died peacefully Saturday June 22, 2013 of natural causes in the presence of his family.

Gene was born December 30, 1923 in Chicago, the son of John and Henrietta Trandel. He grew up on the northwest side of Chicago where he graduated from Steinmetz High School before entering the University of Illinois.

Gene was a long- time resident of both Mount Prospect and Cary, Illinois.

Eugene is a graduate of the University of Illinois where World War II interrupted his education. He served as a sergeant in the 430th AAA Battalion and V-Corp Headquarters in the United States Army and for his efforts earned the Normandy D-Day landing Arrowhead Award, five Battle Stars and the Bronze Star.

Mr. Trandel was an incredible father and husband but was also an exceptional athlete. When returning to campus from the European theater in February of 1946, Mr. Trandel joined the track team and within 10 days, scored the winning points leading the Illini to win the 1946 Big Ten Championship on their way to two National Championships.

After graduation and until retirement, Mr. Trandel excelled in the food packaging industry. His time with Standard Packaging was most notable with the advent of vacuum packaging where he was the Director of Sales.

Mr. Trandel is survived by his beloved wife Dolores, his loving daughter Janet Lopac (Mitch), sons John, Tom (Debbie), David (Melissa) and Mark (Ellen). Mr. Trandel is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Matthew and Heather (John), Lesley (Tom), Ava and Jude (David) and Adam and Elise (Mark), a nephew Greg (Margaret).

Eugene is the son of Henrietta and John Trandel. He was preceded in death by a brother Ray (Lois), and a nephew Henry.

Visitation will be held at Kahle Moore Funeral Home in Cary on Wednesday, June 26 from 5-9 p.m.

A private funeral for the family will follow on Thursday at SS. Peter and Paul. Church in Cary.

For information call 847-639-3817 or visit www.kahlemoore.com