Obituary WASHINGTONa"Gene A. Menz, 79, of Washington, died at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Ada, Minnesota on January 24, 1929 to Alvin and Beulah Attig Menz. Within 2-4 years he moved to Washington, IL where he resided the rest of his life. He married Patricia M. Lohnes on June 10, 1951 in Pekin. She survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Leslie Ellen Menz, Michele (Larry) Astle, and Jolene M. Schuk, all of Washington, IL, 2 granddaughters that they raised, Amanda Schuk of Encinitas, CA and Allisen Schuk of Washington, IL, 2 grandsons, Matthew and John Astle, both of Washington; 1 sister, Audrey (James) Dancer of Washington, IL; 1 sister-in-law, Linda Menz of Washington, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Keith, and his parents. Gene went to Illinois State University in Normal, IL, when he received his BA and Master's Degrees in Education. He taught at Washington School District 52 for 37 years. After retirement, he was a substitute teacher. He spent 17 years at Washington District 50, last teaching in November 2008. Gene also volunteered at Wildlife Prairie State Park for 17 years, and helped with Meals on Wheels and SHARE Food. He also helped with the Adult Literacy Program and initiated the recycling program for District 52. He attended St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, where he taught adult Sunday school class for 15 years. He was elected to the council and served as president for 1 year. Gene was instrumental in starting chess tournaments for children in middle school, and he attended the annual chess tournament in East Peoria each year. There will be a Celebration of Life for Gene on Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 2-4 PM at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Wildlife Prairie State Park.