Gene A. Daiber, age 80 of Marine, IL, died Monday, August 7, 2023, at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra, IL.

He was born on Wednesday, April 28, 1943, in Highland, IL, the son of August and Otha (nee Mayer) Daiber.

On Saturday, December 22, 1984, he married Lillian L. (nee Steiner) Daiber, at Salem United Church of Christ, Alhambra, IL, who survives.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church; Illinois Farm Bureau (Board Member 25 years); Madison County District Soil & Water Board (25 years); St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery (Caretaker for many years).

Gene was born in Highland, IL, grew up on the family farm south of Marine and graduated from Triad High School, in 1961. He and his mother operated the farm for 10 years. Then he owned and operated the farm as "Daiber Farms, Inc., until retiring in 2014. He was a Pioneer Seed dealer. He and Lillian traveled in a motor home for four years, to Florida, California and many other destinations. They enjoyed train and bus trips. He was an avid record keeper, hunter and loved fishing in Canada and the Bayou. He was known for his ability to prepare the best fried fish.

Survivors include:
Wife - Lillian L. (nee Steiner) Daiber, Marine, IL
Daughter - Barbara S. (Thomas) Eberhart, Highland, IL
Daughter - Sandra J. (Michael) Leitschuh, Highland, IL
Daughter - Ellen M. (Victor) Mitchell, Highland, IL
Daughter - Carla A. (Mikeiel) Muniz, Marine, IL
Son-In-Law - Ronald E. Hunsche, Grantfork, IL
Grandchild - Brent (Tonya) Hunsche, Grantfork, IL
Grandchild - Jeremy (Angel) Leitschuh, Troy, IL
Grandchild - Brad (Rachel) Leitschuh, Grantfork, IL
Grandchild - Jamie (Jared) Schwarz, Grantfork, IL
Grandchild - Kristin (Scott) Steffey, Grantfork, IL
Grandchild - Amber (David) Stewart, Oklahoma
Grandchild - Aubrey (Andy) Hazelet, Billings, MT
Grandchild - Alex (Autumn) Mitchell, Missouri
Grandchild - Erin (Mitchell) Gilman, Edwardsville, IL
Grandchild - Grant Hoedebecke, Des Moines, IA
Grandchild - Hadyn Jackson, Marine, IL
Great Grandchildren - 23
Sister - Sharon Lee Daiber (twin), Marine, IL
Sister - Shirley Ann Daiber (twin), Aviston, IL.

He was preceded in death by:
Father - August S. Daiber - Died 10/20/1965
Mother - Otha J. (nee Mayer) Daiber - Died 3/11/1975
Daughter - Janet B. Hunsche - Died 4/21/2016
Sister - Rita Marie Daiber - Infant 1 month old - Died 12/30/1936.

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, IL, Father John P. Beveridge, Parachial Administrator, officiating.

Interment will be at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Marine, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hoyleton Youth and Family Services or Kinder Cottage, E. St. Louis, IL.