Gene A. Bengston

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Gene A. Bengston of Crystal Lake announces his peaceful passing on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the age of 93. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Barbara Dubow; John (Cheryl) Bengston; Susan (Kevin) Diebold; grandchildren: Kari (Cody) Whirry; Andy Dubow; Katelyn (Alex) Schuman; Michael Bengston; Courtney Diebold; and Erin Bengston; his sister June Negley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his friends at Bethany Lutheran Church, where he was a member since 1961.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Helen (Olson) Bengston; his parents: John and Elsie Bengston; brothers and sisters: Hayden (Dorothy) Bengston; Betty (Glenn) Nash; Darlene (Emiel) Holevoet; Roberta (Robert) Winter; Lois (Charles) Parrott; Robert (Mildred) Bengston; William (Joyce) Bengston; Bernard (Barbara) Bengston; JoAnn (David) Fargher; Donna Bengston; Karen Bengston; and Gerry Bengston.

Gene was born in Kewanee, IL into a large and loving family on March 7, 1932. He was the ninth child of fourteen. In his early years he enjoyed Sunday School, basketball, working at a furniture store, and being with his family. Gene was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served for two years. Gene always knew he wanted to be a teacher and proudly received his bachelor's degree in education from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 1959, later receiving a master's degree from Northern Illinois University.

Gene met his beloved wife, Helen, at Augustana College. They married in 1961 and moved to Crystal Lake to start their family. Blessed with three children and six grandchildren, Gene and Helen created love, laughter, and joy at every turn. Together Gene and Helen enjoyed travel, music, and theater as well as the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers.

Gene had a fulfilling forty-year career as an educator and was passionate about nurturing people of all ages. As a teacher, administrator, and superintendent, Gene worked for twelve years in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and Prairie Grove. Gene was principal of Lowrie Elementary School in Elgin for seventeen years. His final position was teaching social studies/economics at Elgin High School until his retirement in 1995. Gene also impacted others by teaching confirmation, coaching, and assisting with Boy Scout Pack 347.

Gene was strong in his faith and a very active member of Bethany Lutheran Church. He held a variety of leadership roles, always feeling it was his duty to serve. In addition to worship, Gene loved Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Men’s Breakfast, Soup Suppers, and after worship fellowship as well as the annual chili supper and the annual ice cream social. Gene and Helen were volunteers at the Food Pantry and provided meals for PADS. Gene was extremely proud to be one of Bethany’s “Three Chefs”, three special friends who bonded over their love of cooking and worked as a team to create delicious meals and treats for Bethany’s seniors.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitation will continue the next day, Friday, December 19, at 10 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Private interment to be held at Windridge Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gene’s name to Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.