Gene VanHoosear

Gene Lavern Van Hoosear, 69, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away on July 25, 2026. Born on February 28, 1957, in Coldwater, Michigan, Gene was a man who never met a stranger and who lived every single day with purpose, generosity, and a deep love for the people around him. Gene was raised on a farm and spent a lot of time working alongside his dad and brother.

Gene graduated from Reading High School in 1975 and went on to earn his business degree from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, in 1979. He built a long and successful career with Conoco Oil Company before retiring in 2020. In 2006, he married the love of his life, Sheri, and together they built a wonderful life for 20 years - full of adventure, warmth, and shared faith.

Anyone who knew Gene knew a few things right away. He had a steel trap memory, he was a friend to everyone he came across, and he loved nothing more than sitting down for a long, meaningful conversation. He had a gift for making people feel seen and heard, and he carried that gift with him everywhere he went.

Gene was a devoted University of Michigan fan who never missed a football game and followed Wolverine basketball with equal passion. He and Sheri treasured their condo in Belize, where they spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun, exploring, and scuba diving. Gene also adored his great-grandson, Cole, and spent many happy hours with his little buddy. He was a dedicated uncle who kept up wonderful communication with all of his nieces and nephews, always making sure they knew how much he cared.

In the community, Gene was a passionate advocate for financial stewardship, teaching many classes based on the Dave Ramsey financial series. He held Bible studies and poured himself into serving the homeless community of Toledo, sharing his faith and offering prayers for many. Gene loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, and that love showed in everything he did. Much of his spiritual life began at a young age and was led to the Lord by Rev. Clyde Mills at East Algansee Baptist Church. The verse Rev. Mills shared with Gene remained his favorite verse in life. 1 John 5:13. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. His faith was not something he simply believed; it was something he lived out loud, every day in service to others.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Elwin VanHoosear, and his mother, Evelyn VanHoosear. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri VanHoosear; his sisters, Eileen Stroble (Gordon), Susan Koster (Rick); and his brother, Paul VanHoosear (Kelly); Cheryl, Rob, Morgan, Andrew, and Adam; along with many cherished nieces and nephews, Tim Hoeflinger, David Hoeflinger, Chad Koster, Kristi Ellsworth, Katie Koster, Matthew VanHoosear, Erica Bowers, Zachary VanHoosear, Betsy Hoeflinger, Kory Koster, Kelsey VanHoosear; and his great-grandson, Cole.

A funeral service will be held at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1 p.m. Reverend Mike Mills and Pastor Christopher Berlanga will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Camp Selah, 3600 Long Lake Rd, Reading, MI 49274.