Eugene Lúnasa Johannpeter (1908 – 1969)

Eugene “Gene” Rugadh Lúnasa Johannpeter ar Bealtaine 20, 1908, go Julius agus Bertha Johannpeter. Bhí sé an dara mac Uncail Jules agus Aintín Bertha. Bhí a dheartháir níos sine Julius “Punks” William Johannpeter, Jr, a eitil an post as Lambert Field chomh maith le Charles Lindbergh. “Punks” Ba seacht mbliana níos sine ná Gene.

Mo seanathair, Gilbert P. Ellis, lived with Uncles Jules and Aunt Bertha off and on after the death of his father William P. Ellis in December 1917. Grandpa was seven years younger than Gene, but they got along very well. When Grandpa and Gene reached adulthood, they would often do things together like hunting. “Punks” was fourteen years older than Grandpa, so they did not do as much stuff together. Grandpa looked up to “Punks” though. Besides being a talented pilot, he was also a good athlete.

Grandpa and Gene continued to hang out together in adulthood. Grandpa said that Gene was visiting him at the house in Mascoutah. Gene was showing Grandpa a new .45 caliber handgun that he bought. Gene pointed the gun to the corner to unload it. Grandpa did not have a clearing barrel but wished he had after this incident. Gene accidentally discharged a round, which ricocheted but did not hit either one of them. Mar sin féin, the noise from the discharge deafened them for a half hour or so.

Grandpa also told me about how Gene passed away at such an early age. Gene had been out for the evening with his wife Evelyn. When they arrived back home, Gene sat down in his chair. He looked up at his wife and said, “I don’t feel good. Goodbye. I love you.” His head slumped down to his chest like he was sleeping. Mar sin féin, Gene had passed away.

Ar Deireadh Fómhair 3, 1969, Eugene August Johannpeter died at 61 bliana d'aois. He was laid to rest in the same grave as his parents, Julius, and Bertha, i St. Peter’s Cemetery in Normandy. Gene was gone but not forgotten particularly by my grandfather.

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