Eugene Carl Burgwald

Gene passed away peacefully December 29, 2022 at Hawthorn Place.  He was born to Lester and Dorothy (Rector) Burgwald on September 30, 1930 in Kalamazoo.  During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army.  He worked at National Waterlift (Parker Aerospace) for 37 years assembling parts for the NASA Apollo Moon missions (some of his work is still on the moon), and the F-14 Tomcat.  Gene was a Boyscout leader and a union representative and vice president.  A man of many interests: beekeeper, orchid and wild flower grower, winemaker, model builder, fisherman, and gardener.  Gene remained active at the Heritage, where he enjoyed singing, crafts, bingo and activities with Vicksburg High School students. On June 7, 1952, Gene married Lucille Chadderdon who preceded him in death on August 3, 2018.  He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Rita Parshall; granddaughter, Tammy Parshall; four brothers, Walter, Bob, Frank Burgwald, Jim Johnson; three sisters, Florence Burchett, Barbara DeBoer, Zelma Belkoski.  He is survived by a son, Ray (Pat) Burgwald; three grandchildren, Travis, Raymond, Justin; a great-grandson, Cameron Parshall; sister, Norine Knowlton; and many nieces & nephews. Friends will be received 10 -11 am Wednesday January 11, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following, at 11 am by Rev. Msgr. Mike Hazard. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Nature Center, The Kalamazoo Civic, or The Congregation of St. Joseph.  Arrangements by Parchment Redmond Funeral Home. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net