Eugene (Gene) Elmer Portz

Marengo-Eugene E. Portz was born October 19, 1941, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Edward and Carmalita (Kirk) Portz. Gene graduated from Andrew High School with the class of 1959. He then entered the United States Army and served his country from 1959 to 1962 to receive an honorable discharge. Gene was united in marriage to Leanne Kay Spacek on September 11, 1993. He made his career in the carpenter trade making cabinets, furniture, doing house remodels and church remodels. He spent a lot of time as a CASA Volunteer, helping with African food relief, working in Haiti and natural disasters that happened here in the states. His biggest passion was solving architectural problems and turning wood into beautiful things. Gene passed away Friday, August 22, 2025, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Amana, at the age of 83 years old.

He was a wonderful man who lived an extraordinary life.

Gene is survived by his loving wife Leanne, his children Tami (Jeff) Skinner, Gina (David) Phenix, David (Fiancé Angela Taylor-Vanderpool) Updegraff, Suzanne Webster and Thomas (Megan) Updegraff III; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Powell Funeral Home in Marengo. A visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time. A memorial fund has been established for the Marengo Public Library. Powell Funeral Home in Marengo is caring for Gene and his family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.