Eugene Bertin Felling, age 89, passed away unexpectedly in his home on April 24, 2025, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Gene, as he was affectionately known, was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was active in the addiction and recovery community for over 47 years. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of his family, friends, co-workers, and clients. He lived his life fully, and had a profound impact on those who had the pleasure to know him.
He was predeceased by the love of his life and wife Margaret, his parents Louie and Laura Felling, siblings Marie, Susan, Jimmy and Tony, grandson Brandon and son-in-law Al.
Gene is survived by his children Ange, Edward, Greg, Amy (Gary) and Pawel, and grandchildren Zachary (Anel), Justin, Christopher, Jody, Joshua (Amber), and Adam, and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 29, 1935 and lived most of his life there. He attended Christian Brothers High School, St. Joseph Junior College, R&R Newkirk, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Missouri Western State College.
He was employed at Burlington Northern Railroad before going to work for the United Transportation Union Insurance Association. Upon “retirement”, he changed career paths and became a chaplain at Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas. He then worked for John Sutherland Counseling. John was his first counselor at Eppley Treatment facility where he began his sobriety. He was working for the St. Joseph Safety and Health Council, as well as private probation in St. Joseph, doing counseling and SATOP programming when he passed.
His family will remember him for his humor, runny eggs, two dollar bills, and annual trips to see “A Christmas Carol” at the Kansas City Rep.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Joseph Safety & Health Council.
