Obituary: Eugene Wabindato, 87, of Branch.

Eugene Wabindato

Obituary: Eugene Wabindato, 87, of Branch.

Eugene Henry Wabindato, 87, of Branch passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022.  Eugene was born on April 25, 1935 in Omena, the son of Henry Jacob and Rachael (Antoine) Wabindato and was raised in Custer along with his sister Janice.

Eugene served his country in the United State Army from 1953 to 1957  following the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany most of his career working in munitions.  After his military career he returned to Custer where he worked in the orchards for a few years then found his career in construction.  In construction, Eugene traveled all over Michigan working on bridges and curbing. On many drives with his family, he would show them every bridge and curbing he constructed or replaced from Lansing to Detroit.  He was very proud of his career.

Upon his retirement, Eugene returned back to his roots near Custer where he loved hunting, fishing, and spear fishing for salmon.  He spent the last few summers entertaining his great-grandchildren, Savannah and Triston, and taught Savanah how to use an open face reel.   Every day, Eugene would visit his favorite restaurant – McDonald’s. He will be forever known as the man who orders a chicken sandwich without feathers.

He was a very generous man of little means and often donated to the Veterans of America, and to the Shriner’s and St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.  His family requests any memorial donations be made to one of these great causes in memory of their father.

Eugene will be truly missed by his children Lesley Wilson, David Wabindato, Amy Smith, and JD Wabindato; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many great friends.

Graveside memorial services will be held for Eugene at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 6 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Custer Township where he will be laid to rest with his father Henry.