Gene Van Booven

Gene Van Booven, 94, of O' Fallon, MO, passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Progress West Hospital, O'Fallon, Missouri.

Gene was born in Rhineland, Missouri on September 16, 1926, the son of the late Alois & Hilda (Grotewiel) Van Booven.  He attended elementary school at St. Joseph's School, and his family were members of St. Joseph's Church in Rhineland.  Gene attended high school in Rhineland from 1940-1942 and then at Hermann High school from 1942-1944.

In the fall of 1944 Gene worked on the railroad until Christmas.  He then worked on the river from 1945 to January 1946. In January 1946, Gene joined the United States Navy and was a 3rd Class Petty Officer honorably discharged in 1947.  After the Navy, he went back to work on the river until starting at Western Auto in 1948. He worked at Western Auto until 1980 and then at Emerson Electric in St. Louis from 1981 until 1991 when he retired.

Gene was the husband of Irene E. (Eldringhoff) Van Booven.  They were united in marriage on June 2, 1951, at St. Martin's Church, Starkenburg, MO.  Irene survives him at the home.

Gene is also survived by a daughter, Deborah Van Booven (Kent Nentwig), of St. Louis, Missouri; a son, Daniel Van Booven, of Starkenburg, Missouri; a daughter, Mary Ellen Van Booven, of Maryland Heights, Missouri; and by nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Sheila Van Booven, a sister, Mildred Bruckerhoff and a brother, Floyd Van Booven.

Gene spent most of his adult life living in St. Louis County and spending weekends in Rhineland. After retirement he and Irene spent much time in Rhineland at their country home. Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing and telling stories about growing up in the country.

Gene was a member of the American Legion in Rhineland, MO and St. Barnabas Church, O'Fallon, MO since 2001.  He also attended St. Martin de Porres church in Hazelwood, MO for more than 40 years.  

A private funeral mass will be held at Church of the Risen Savior, Rhineland, Missouri, with burial following at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph's Cemetery or the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows, Starkenburg.  C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.