Eugene "Gene" Merlin Sarrazine

Eugene Merlin Sarrazine, 79, of New Haven, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2026.

Eugene was born on June 14, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Norman and Florence (Bowers) Sarrazine.

Eugene began his career at International Harvester before spending 29 years at Midwest Tile and Concrete, from which he retired. However, work was never his true passion. Eugene's heart belonged to his family, his garden, and the outdoors. He tended a huge garden with pride and spent countless happy hours hunting and fishing. He was a devoted fan of IU, Notre Dame, and the Colts, and he never missed a chance to cheer on his children and, later, his grandchildren in whatever they were doing. You always knew he was proud because he would brag about them to anyone who would listen. He believed firmly in the value of a dollar saved and made sure his kids learned the power of a good coupon. He was famous among his family for his string trick, and he taught his children the essential skill of holding a flashlight just right while he worked on the cars.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 46 years, Charlotte; his children, Michael Sarrazine, Lisa (Douglas) Grimes, Melissa (Spencer) Johnson, and Jennifer (Nicholas) Goranson; his grandchildren, Camryn, Chandler, Cade Alexander, Taylor, Jordan, and Lauren Sarrazine, Brandon (Samantha) Hube, Eric (Megan) Hube, Charlotte and Lawson Connor, Gavin and Jaxxon Johnson, and Colette and June Goranson; and his great-granddaughter, Kennedy Hube. He is also survived by his siblings, Norbert (Clara) Sarrazine, Leo (Marion) Sarrazine, Donald (Patricia) Sarrazine, Ann (Lawrence) Schortgen, and Bernard (Joyce) Sarrazine, along with brother-in-law Wilbur Ort.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Rev. Kenneth Sarrazine, Robert Sarrazine, Mary Ort, and Lucille Sarrazine.

Eugene will be remembered for his extravagant garden, yelling at every incompetent ref who ever blew a call, his deep love for his wife Charlotte, and his fierce pride in his family.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 4:00pm with visitation prior from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

Officiating the services will be Chaplain Karen Kosberg.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family and or the Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation, 14350 Mundy Drive, Suite 800 #181, Noblesville, IN 46060.

To sign the online guestbook or to share a memory of Eugene, visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.