Eugene Earl Maris, 77, Wonder Lake, passed away Wednesday (June 26, 2013) at Bridgeway of Bensenville.

He was born Jan. 26, 1936, in Heyworth, son of George and Sarah Gladys Monroe Maris. On July 4, 1959, he married Donna Bryant at Venice Baptist Church in Venice.

Gene was a longtime faithful member of Crystal Lake Christian Church. He served as both treasurer and elder for many decades. He taught for more than 30 years in McHenry School District 15 at McHenry Junior High and Parkland School.

For many of those years, he taught industrial arts then later taught junior high math and science. Gene’s favorite hobbies were woodworking and traveling, and he was very proud to have visited all 50 states.

He always enjoyed and was faithful to attend his grandchildren’s activities. He was best known as an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; his children, Debra (Dan) Sewell, New Lenox; Douglas (Michelle) Maris, Atlanta; and Susan Maris, Hoffman Estates; five grandchildren, Ashley and Ryan Sewell; and Michaela, Dylan and Mariah Maris; brother, Ron (Joan) Maris, West LaFayette, Ind.; and sister, Marilyn Maris, Rochelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, David Maris.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Colonial Funeral Home, McHenry, and from 11 a.m. until the noon service Saturday at Crystal Lake Christian Church, Crystal Lake. Interment will be at Crystal Lake Memorial Park. If desired, memorials may be made to the church.