Obituary
Eugene "Geno" Arnold Storm, 72
June 8, 1952 to June 25, 2024
6-8-1952 - 6-25-2024
Eugene “Geno” Arnold Storm, 72, of Princeton passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Geno was born on June 8, 1952 in Princeton. He is the son of Arthur and Bessie (Hawkins) Storm. At 10 years old Geno entered the Covenant Children's Home where he made lifelong friends, including a special counselor, Marcella. On the weekends he had many foster families bring him into their home which he maintained those relationships throughout his life. Geno is a Princeton High School graduate where he was known as an outstanding runner. He worked as an orderly at Perry Memorial Hospital from 1968-1972. He served in the United States Army as an E5 sergeant and infantry soldier man from 1972-1974. He completed his basic AIT training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and his service years in South Korea. During his time in Korea, he ran the sports complex at Camp Hovey. Geno won multiple awards in the service: the 100-mile chosen marathon with a time of 16 hours and 27 minutes and being the fastest soldier to assemble the M60 machine gun. Geno took great pride in being a recipient of the Quilt of Valor during his most recent hospital stay. Geno worked for 25 years at Motor Wheel in Mendota where he met a best friend, Ziggy. When the plant closed Geno worked for the City of Princeton for 17 years, later retiring. His work ethic was unmatched. Even after a long day of running in front of the garbage truck he could be seen mowing in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter or umping youth baseball.
Geno described himself as “one of a kind”, but his loyalty and dedication to his family was immeasurable. Geno was often seen at football and basketball games and always had the best seat in the house. Many could hear him starting Tiger chants from the front row. Geno was a jokester, outdoorsman, avid card player, and as he would say, a true “Princestonien”. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Geno fought a hard fight and had plenty of reasons to keep fighting. He was looking forward to getting back to babysitting his grandkids, Pac and Boo, and was excited about the announcement of another grandson and the engagement of his daughter. This kept his spirits strong. He put up a hard fight and we know he will be at both of those events in spirit.
Later in life, he found comfort in cruising the countryside looking at wildlife. His family will miss the Sunday breakfasts followed by the squirrel counting game. He wore many hats. Geno held the title of loving father, brother, vet, and papa, however, the most notable was friend.
Geno is survived by three children, Laramie (Marina) Storm of Tiskilwa, Samantha (Adam) Knudsen of Princeton and Sierra (Bradley Schafer) Storm of Wyanet; grandchildren, Paxton and Brixston Knudsen with a grandson on the way; nine siblings, Charles Storm of Streator, Judy Charolette (Peter) Sorkalla of Germany, Frances Peterson of Princeton, Carolyn (Russell) Stinar of Malden, Robert “Bob” (Cindy) Storm of Princeton, Janice (Robert) Browning of Wichita, KS, Nancy (Donald) Bell of Sheffield, Wesley (Sandy) Storm of Princeton and Mary Etta (JD) Dickenson of St. Francis, MN; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings Doug Storm and Bonnie Cornelio, his best friend Ziggy, a special pet Lily, and many family members that became angels' way to soon.
Visitation will be from 11:00am until time of service at 2:00pm on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Fred Laughlin, officiating. Military Honors will follow the service at the funeral home. Cremation Rites will be accorded after the services. Geno’s family request that you come wearing your Princeton Tiger apparel or anything blue or gray in Geno’s Memory. Close family and friends are invited to attend an intimate celebration of life at the Underground following the Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Princeton High School; the Athletic Booster Club.
Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com
Visitation
Visitation will be from 11:00am-2:00pm on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Address:
Grant-Johnson Funeral Homes
30 West Mechanics ST
Princeton, IL 61356
Funeral/Service
Funeral Service will be at 2:00pm on Friday, June 28, 2024 with Pastor Fred Laughlin, officiating.
Address:
Grant-Johnson Funeral Homes
30 West Mechanics ST
Princeton, IL 61356
In Memoriam
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Princeton High School; the Athletic Booster Club.
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Funeral Homes
Princeton, IL 61356
Bradford, IL 61421
Crematory
Princeton, IL 61356
CALL (815) 699-7711