TRAVERSE CITY — Eugene B. Freund, 76, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday evening, Dec. 7, 2006, at Arbor House Assisted Living.

Born in Grand Rapids on Aug. 17, 1930, Geno, as friends and family lovingly called him, was the youngest (younger of twins) of six children born to Guido J. and Olive A. Freund.

At the age of 13, Geno's parents moved the family to Oscoda. After graduating from Oscoda High School in 1948, he went to work for Michigan Bell in Ypsilanti as a plant assigner. He also attended classes at Michigan State University, where he studied Business Administration. Two years into his four-year degree program, he was drafted and inducted into the United States Army on Aug. 7, 1952. He fought in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on June 22, 1954. For his service to his country, he was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, a Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Emblem.

On a 10-day pass, Geno married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Phyllis A. Jacinth, in Oscoda on Feb. 10, 1953. After arriving home from Korea, they moved to Lansing, where he returned to Michigan State in the fall of 1954, and completed his bachelor's degree program in June 1956.

Fresh out of college, Geno landed a job as an Insurance adjuster for Auto Owners. In 1959, he and Phyllis purchased a home, and with their three young children moved to Inkster. After 10 years with Auto Owners, he and a partner purchased Precision Plating in Detroit. When the partnership dissolved in 1969, Geno moved his family to Traverse City, where, along with a partner, he purchased Little Bohemia. In 1976, he became the sole proprietor.

During his time off from being a tavern owner, Geno enjoyed exploring and visiting all the neighboring towns around Traverse City. He loved walking in the woods around beautiful Grand Traverse County, and playing golf and tennis. But his favorite pastime was fishing in the bays. He and Phyllis also loved to travel, and they visited many places across the country together.

Geno was also a life member of the Traverse City Elks Lodge. One thing that is absolutely certain about Geno is that he loved a good party and lived life to its fullest; his laughter and outgoing personality will be missed by many.

His parents, two brothers, and two sisters, one of whom was his twin, preceded Eugene in death.  He is survived by his brother, William; his bride of 53 ½ years, Phyllis A. Freund; son, Richard C. (Sally) Freund of Cincinnati; daughter, Nancy A. Freund of Hayward, Calif.; and son, Edward J. Freund of Traverse City. Also surviving are two grandsons, Raymond D. Freund of Traverse City and Aaron M. Freund of Cincinnati; and several nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral and no burial.  In lieu of service, the Freund family wishes to extend an invitation to anyone who knew Geno and wants to join in a Celebration of Life to an Open House Sunday, Jan. 14, from noon to 6 p.m. at Lil Bo's, 540 W. Front St., Traverse City.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Geno be remembered through a memorial contribution to the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1040 Walnut St., Traverse City, MI 49686 (231-929-3804), www.alzgmc.org.

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City, Michigan.

Published in the Record-Eagle on 12/13/2006.