Eugene Walter Zawisa, lovingly known as Gene, passed away leaving behind a legacy of creativity, kindness, faith, and unconditional love for his family. Born in Detroit on September 27, 1935, to John Zawisa and Louise Ziober, an immigrant from Poland, Gene lived a life filled with purpose, curiosity, and joy.

After graduating from Chadsey High School, Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Guam. Following his military service, he earned a degree in education from Wayne State University and a master’s degree in fine arts before beginning a long and distinguished career teaching art and photography in the South Redford School District.

Teaching was more than Gene’s profession. It was his calling. He inspired generations of students to believe in their own creativity and encouraged them to see beauty where others might not. His classroom became a place where talent was nurtured, confidence was built, and lifelong passions began. So admired was his gift for teaching that even students from neighboring classrooms would seek him out to learn art from him.

Although Gene devoted his career to teaching, he never stopped creating. He was an extraordinarily talented artist whose paintings, photography, woodworking, and countless creative projects reflected both remarkable craftsmanship and boundless imagination. His home was filled with works of art, handmade gifts, woodworking projects, and unique creations that often became treasured family heirlooms. He lovingly built wooden cribs for his grandchildren, helped build homes, created keepsakes featuring family photographs, and was always eager to begin another project simply for the joy of making something beautiful.

His greatest joy, however, was his family.

In 1961, Gene met the love of his life, Elaine Alice Altermatt, on a blind date. After that very first date, he confidently told others that he was going to marry her. On October 21, 1961, he did. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage built on love, faith, laughter, music, travel, and an unwavering devotion to one another. As active members of St. Edith Catholic Church, Gene and Elaine sang together in the church choir, sharing both their faith and their love of music.

Gene found inspiration everywhere. He and Elaine loved traveling together, creating memories on cruises to Alaska, exploring Switzerland, visiting America’s National Parks, and discovering new places wherever life took them. Many of his favorite photographs from those travels later became beautiful paintings that now serve as lasting reminders of the adventures they shared.

Gene was a devoted father to Laura Sullivan (James) of Grosse Pointe, Dr. Donna Rinnas (Randy) of Brighton, Steven Zawisa (Denise) of Rochester Hills, and Dr. Mark Zawisa (Gayle) of Brighton. He was a proud “Grampa” to Mark David, Samuel (Shannon), Carolyn (Justin), John (Julia), Natalie (Harrison), Elizabeth (Griffin), Joseph, Maxwell, Benjamin, Daniel, Jacob, and Andrew, and was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather to London and Norah.

To his grandchildren, Grampa was endlessly patient, creative, and fun. He took them to the zoo, challenged them to lively ping-pong matches, gathered them around the ping-pong table for art projects, attended their sporting events and dance recitals, traveled with them up north, and never missed an opportunity to encourage their talents or celebrate their accomplishments. He had a remarkable ability to make every child feel special and every moment together feel important.

Gene’s creativity extended far beyond art. He loved cooking and was famous for creating delicious meals without ever needing a recipe. Family eagerly anticipated his homemade ribs, Christmas omelets, bean dip, and whatever new creation he decided to invent. His home was almost always filled with the sounds of jazz and blues, music that reflected his easygoing spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

He also found great peace in tending his gardens. Alongside Elaine, he cultivated beautiful flower beds and landscapes that became a labor of love. Even after he could no longer care for them himself, he made sure they continued to flourish. Inside his home, his collection of houseplants continued to grow through careful propagation, another expression of his lifelong desire to nurture and create.

Gene embraced life with enthusiasm. Whether bowling with friends, attending parties with Elaine, sipping a martini, traveling the world, listening to music, working in the garden, creating art, or simply spending time with the people he loved, he approached each day with gratitude and curiosity. He had an infectious sense of humor, a generous heart, and a gift for making others feel welcome.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine; his parents, John and Louise; his grandson, Mark David; and his sister, Lucy Wiggins (the late Orville).

He is survived by his four children, twelve grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, countless former students, dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by his kindness, creativity, and quiet generosity.

Gene’s legacy cannot be measured only by the paintings he created, the furniture he built, or the lessons he taught. It lives on in every student he inspired, every grandchild he encouraged, every garden he cultivated, every piece of music that reminds someone of him, and every family tradition he helped create. He showed those around him that a life is best lived with curiosity, compassion, creativity, and love. His family will forever cherish the countless memories he gave them and will carry his example with them always.

Visitation

Tuesday, June 30 from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a rosary at 6:00 pm

at Fred Wood Funeral Home, 36100 Five Mile Rd., Livonia (East of Levan)

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Visitation from 10:30 am until time of mass at 11:00 am

at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154