Published on July 7, 2026 6:33 am
Last Updated on July 7, 2026 2:25 pm
Eugene J. “Gene” Mette, 81, of rural Effingham, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL, surrounded by family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall in Dieterich, IL. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Bishop Creek. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Gene’s life, share stories, and honor the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Gene was born on September 10, 1944 in Peoria County, the son of Aloysius and Mathilda (Kroeger) Mette. He lived a life defined by hard work, service, and a deep love for the outdoors, his family, and his friends. Gene spent much of his life as both a truck driver and a farmer, professions that reflected his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication. Whether behind the wheel of a truck or tending the land, he took great pride in providing for his family and embracing the values of honesty, perseverance, and responsibility. An avid outdoorsman, Gene found great joy in hunting and treasured the time spent in the outdoors with family and friends. Those who knew him appreciated his stories, his quiet wisdom, and the friendships he built over the years. He would help anyone with a project or lend a helping hand. Gene proudly served his country in the Illinois National Guard, including active duty at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in 1964 and 1965. His service and patriotism were an important part of his life, and he carried those values with honor. Above all, Gene loved his family. He will be remembered for his dependable nature, kind heart, and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work and integrity. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and in the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.
Gene is survived by his brother, John (Janice) Mette; sisters, Theresa Miller, Rose Sudkamp, Kathy (Rick) Mitchell, Alice (Dennis) Johnson, Mary (Rex) Allen, Rita Mette (friend, Tony Goeckner), and Janice (Bill) Zimmerman; sister-in-law, Rita Mette; brother-in-law, Robert Poe; as well as many nieces and nephews and many dear friends, who will forever cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Norma Mette and Carolyn Poe; brother, James A. Mette; and brothers-in-law, James Miller and Art Sudkamp; all who welcomed him into eternal rest.
May Gene rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him. The family extends their deepest appreciation for the first responders, the staff at Casey’s General Store in Teutopolis, the Air Evac Lifeteam, and the medical staff at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. John’s Hospital.