Eugene “Gene” Glenn LaMadline, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Gene was born on June 22, 1938, in Coopersville, Michigan, to Lewis and LaFern LaMadline. He graduated from Coopersville High School in 1957 and married the love of his life, Marcia Koning, on July 14, 1959. Together they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, love, family, and hard work.
Gene was a man whose hands were rarely still and whose mind was always creating. For more than 10 years, he proudly owned and operated Allendale Auto Electric until retiring in 1999. Known for his incredible ability to build and fix almost anything, Gene spent countless hours in his garage tinkering, designing, and bringing ideas to life. He built weight-transfer sleds for garden tractor pulling and even constructed a one-of-a-kind five-engine pulling tractor along with countless other unique projects. If someone brought Gene an idea, chances were he could bring it to life. He loved creating unique things and took pride in solving problems with ingenuity, determination, and skill.
More than anything, Gene treasured his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marcia LaMadline; his children: Arlyn (Laura) LaMadline, Phillip (Laura) LaMadline, Brent (Julienne) LaMadline, Gary LaMadline, Kari Bulthouse, and Kristi (Steve) Koetje; along with 32 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandsons. He is also survived by his sisters: Sally Keith and Linda Johnson; half-brothers: Lonnie (Robin) LaMadline, Allen LaMadline, and Jeff (Alissia) LaMadline; half-sisters: Tammy (Frank) Domin and Cindy (Jeff) Looman; sister-in-law, Diane LaMadline; brothers-in-law: John Koning and John Hecksel; sister-in-law, Sharon Bouwman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his granddaughters: Amber LaMadline and Jessica Johnson; grandsons: Eric Wynsma, Nicholas LaMadline, and Daniel Botsford; great-grandsons: Trenton LaMadline and Ryker LaMadline; his parents, Lewis and LaFern LaMadline; stepmother, Betty LaMadline; brothers: Louis, Jerry, Gerald, Ed, Ron, and Don; half-brothers: Terry and John LaMadline; and sister-in-law, Joan Hecksel.
Per Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 17122 2nd Street, Nunica, MI 49448, with Rev. Micah Brook officiating. A time of visitation will be available from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.
Gene’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the countless things he built with his hands, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, creativity, and willingness to help others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Nunica, Michigan.
Kari and Kristie - sending you hugs, love and condolences during this difficult time and for this significant loss. Although I did not know him, he sounded like an incredible man and I hope you remember to celebrate him.
- Shannon Height
