POULIAS
Eugene Gerard Poulias, age 95, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan; both of his sons, Steve and Mike Poulias, and all of his brothers, Jim, George and Gerard Poulias. Born April 17, 1929, in Parnell, Michigan, he lived his entire life in the area, except his stint in the Army as a tank/big equipment mechanic in Texas. He was a devoted Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years and a loving family man. Well known for his John Deere tractor collection, antiques and love of the outdoors. While working in his yard and garden were frequent outdoor activities, his favorite hobby was cutting wood.
Eugene loved nothing more than family and friends coming over to share a meal, a story, one of his legendary homemade crock pickles or a beer or two. And mention tractor and Gene would gladly offer you a tour and narrative about his tractor collection. For many years Eugene and Joan spent weekends and vacations at their cabin in Baldwin, fishing and relaxing in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. After retiring from 35 years at Steelcase, they went on trips to Canada, Alaska and other places. Highlights of his days included Euchre tournaments at St Patrick’s in Parnell, touring with the old car club, camping with family and friends at Wabasis County Park, Buckley Old Engine Show, and the numerous tractor shows he attended with his son-law, Jim and Jim’s dad, Jim.
He was a generous, humorous, resourceful man who loved to eat good food, often referring to onions as ‘candy.’ Eugene is survived by his daughter, Joanne Poulias, daughter and son-in-law, Jolene and Jim McCormick. Gene was also the proud grandfather to Matt Groweneweg, wife Jen, Jenny Dewald, D’Lisa Groweneweg Jim McCormick, Jr, Nick McCormick, Alyssa McCormick and Jarred McCormick. His seven great-grandchildren; Athena, Tyler, Evan, Aisling, Audrey and Lily brought him great joy. Gene is also survived by his sister, Germaine Kaminski, sister-in law, Barb Poulias and brother and sister-in-law, Don and Kathy Loveless.
Gene is additionally survived by numerous loving and caring nieces and nephews, most especially Donna Loveless, who traveled from Canada to visit her favorite Uncle Eugene and Aunt Joan frequently. Visitation for Eugene was held Tuesday, April 15 with the Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., at the Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson St, Lowell, MI 49331. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Avenue NE, Ada, MI 49301. Presiding Fr. Tom Cavera. Interment at St Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or the Grattan Fire Department.
