SK Eugene L. Hlavacek (wife Dorothy) passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on December 7, 2024.
Eugene was a graduate of Steinmetz High School. He served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Korean War in Alaska from 1951-1953, during which time he was a member of the Singing Sergeants of Elmendorf Air Force Base. He then served from 1953-1955 at Limestone AFB (now known as Loring AFB), Maine. After completing his term in the Air Force, Eugene attended Loyola University in Chicago on the G.I. Bill, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance.
As a Chartered Financial Analyst, he enjoyed his career at Allstate Insurance Company for 37 years until his retirement as Investment Director, Pension Administration.
Eugene was a father who supported his children and grandchildren with his heart, time, and energy. He was the Founding Cubmaster of Cub Pack 359 at Hunting Ridge Elementary School. He never missed a chance to cheer them on at a Little League game and gymnastic event. He was at every ballet performance, music concert, marching band and flag corps show, usually taking home movies. He cherished time spent with his family. He piled the whole family in our Buick station wagon for an epic journey to Walt Disney World when it first opened in Orlando, FL. And he made sure that the last two weeks of July were reserved each year for a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks, MO to visit cherished family, and enjoy boating, waterskiing, swimming, and trivia nights at Bass Point Resort.
Always a gentle man and a gentleman: Eugene was a man of faith, serving as a member of the Finance Committee and an Usher for St. Theresa Catholic Church for over 25 years. He was a proud 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Holy Ghost Council 4977, never missing being part of the 4th of July Parade, even on the hottest days. |