Born and raised in Fulton, Illinois, Gene was 95 years old and had just celebrated 70 years of marriage with Becky on February 11, 2026.
Gene attended Fulton Public Schools, graduating in 1948. He worked at Dupont before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. A Korean War Veteran, Gene proudly served his country for over four years as an assault boat captain on the USS George Clymer APA-27, for landing craft designed to drop off troops from ship to shore. He served honorably and willingly. He was also a 70-year member of the American Legion Fulton Post 402 and held a deep respect for his fellow veterans, including his son Walter, a retired U.S. Marine.
Following his military service, Gene attended the Rockford School of Business. Over the years, he worked for several companies, including National Cash Register, Anchor Fence, Lestoil, Stancraft, and the Arlington Race Track. Gene and Becky lived for a short time in Rockford and Roselle, Illinois, before returning to Fulton to raise their family.
Together, Gene and Becky owned and operated Gene’s (now Manny’s Too) in Fulton for 26 years. They built a life centered on family, friendship, and welcoming others—often around a table full of food, laughter, and good stories. Gene deeply appreciated each customer and formed many lasting friendships over the years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Fulton High School athletics, sponsoring the 1976 State Champion Football Team’s first dinner in the “Steamer Room” and hosting numerous fundraising events for the Fulton Booster Club. Gene and Becky were always quick to throw a party for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or Wally’s return from Marine Corps basic training.
He was also a lifelong, diehard Chicago Cubs and Bears Fan. He sponsored several bus trips to Chicago so friends and patrons could enjoy Cubs baseball games together. Gene loved golf and organized many “Chili Open” golf tournaments to raise money for the Fulton Sports Boosters Club.
A dedicated public servant, Gene served on the Fulton City Council for 20 years. He loved Fulton deeply and was always an advocate for the community. He frequently participated in Dutch Days festivities and many other local events throughout the years.
He and Becky enjoyed traveling to see family and friends in West Virginia, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota. Highlights for Gene included participating in the Veterans Honor flight to Washington, D.C. in September 2012, attending the Masters Golf Tournament, and attending Game 6 of the 2016 World Series between the Cubs and the Indians.
Whether it was cheering on the Steamers, organizing a fundraiser, planning a Cubs trip, or simply sharing a story with friends, Gene had a way of bringing people together. He will be remembered for his generosity, his love of community, and the way his big smile and larger-than-life personality made everyone feel instantly welcome.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, J. Walter and Margaret Field, brothers James J. Field and William H. Field, and his sisters Helen R. (Eldon) Streff and Mary Alice Field.
He will be missed by his wife Rebecca J. (Zastrow) Field; his children Mary (Al) Hulings, Mike (Saundra) Field, Tom (Shelly) Field, Walter (Kim) Field, and Elizabeth (Eric) Toth; his grandchildren Kayla (Paul) Dekeyrel, Heather Field, Kristen (Konnor) Leffler, Aaron (Kenzie) Field, Jared Evans (Klarrissa Joy), Madison Evans (D’shawn Curry), Ryan (Lindsay) Toth, Clarice Toth, Shelby (Mac) Chaplin, Emily (Brandon) Wells, Wade Field, Travis Field, Aubrey (Tim) Guzzo, Chelsea (Sheldon) O’Neil; 15 great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Fulton. A luncheon will follow at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall.
Please join in sharing stories and memories with Gene’s family and friends. There will be many laughs, good memories, and we’ll even share some anise candy.
