Eugene Kociba

Frankenmuth, MI

He Fought The Good Fight…

Eugene Martin Kociba was born in Bad Axe, Michigan, on September 26, 1955, to Leon and Susie Kociba. He grew up on a farm, surrounded by plants, the wonder of the natural world, and fascinating machines, encouraging his insatiable curiosity for all.

He loved Michigan State University so much that he attended twice and parlayed his love of plants into his career in horticulture. He spent 15 years as a horticulturist at Fernwood Botanic Gardens in Niles, Michigan; then when family drew him back to the Thumb, he dedicated 25 years to working at Frankenmuth Insurance on the grounds, surrounded by interesting plants and intriguing plantings. He seldom met a plant he couldn't identify (by Latin genus and species) after a few minutes of detective work.

He married Cynthia Oswald on June 8, 1985, and they were blessed with three wonderful children that he loved deeply.

Eugene is survived by his children Gregory (& Sara), Joseph (& Jessica) and Catherine; his wife Cindy; his sister Ilene Learman; his brothers Gordon (Diana), Harold (Janice), Gerald (Rosemarie) and an enormous extended loving family.

Eugene loved his family, God, his work, his community, a good piece of chocolate, and great classical organ music. He kept his usual humor through these last tough weeks and made new friends with it.

Eugene's family will receive visitors at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 958 E. Tuscola Road, Frankenmuth, Michigan, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020. Those who attend will be asked to follow all COVID guidelines. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held after the viewing (due to gathering restrictions) and will be live streamed on Blessed Trinity's website https://www.btmuth.org/live-stream-masses.html . In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Eugene in the Spring by planting an unusual tree or plant in your yard – he would suggest you trust a good nursery person and try something new!! Let his legacy live on….