Marshall "Gene" E. Cassady

It is with broken hearts that we share the sudden unexpected loss of our patriarch, husband, father, brother, and friend “Gene" Marshall Eugene Cassady II.

Gene's greatest passion in life was his family and friends. Music lived in his soul, and countless evenings were spent with The Beatles playing as he danced through the living room with those he loved.

In his free time, Gene cherished being aboard his Four Winns boat on Grand Traverse Bay. He was an avid golfer, a world traveler, a true jack of all trades, and lived for the experience of live music.

Gene never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went. His home was the heartbeat of joy and laughter, and his love of bringing family and friends together made every gathering, no matter the size, a celebration. His love language was generosity, and his magnetic energy drew people to him effortlessly.

Born on March 24, 1954, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gene was the eldest of five children born to Mickey and Gene Cassady.

The family later moved to Lake City, where Gene's love of sports began at an early age. As a fullback for the Lake City Trojans, he became well known among his classmates and graduated with the Class of 1972. A lifelong and devoted University of Michigan football fan, Gene proudly shouted "Go Blue!" wherever his travels took him.

Gene built a successful career in several trades before becoming a journeyman elevator mechanic with Otis Elevator Company. He celebrated 45 years with the company and was a respected, loyal member of IUEC Local 85. He entered semi-retirement in 2024 after a career defined by hard work, skill, and dedication.

In 2024, Gene married the love of his life and best friend, Eileen "Eli." She was welcomed with open arms into his large, loving, and wonderfully eccentric Greek family—as those who knew them would surely understand.

The greatest pride and joy of Gene's life were his three daughters: the twins, Hannah and Wesleigh, and Rhandi. His happiest days were those spent with his girls, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Gene will be deeply missed by his wife, daughters, siblings, extended family, and the many friends whose lives he touched. To know Gene was to love him. His kindness, generosity, laughter, and unwavering love for those around him will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known him. To know Gene was to be family.

Please join us in celebrating his life and remembering all the things we loved most about Gene and always remember his favorite quote, “It’s all good.”

A Celebration of Gene’s Life will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Gene’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.