Elmer Eugene “Gene” Brake, age 91, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Oak Crest Retirement Community in DeKalb, Illinois with family by his side. Gene was born on November 4, 1934, the son of Elmer and Myrtle (Johnston) Brake in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He attended Eugene Field School, Poplar Bluff Junior High and Senior High Schools, graduating in 1952. After high school, he served in the Missouri and Illinois National Guards. On August 18, 1956, he married Jeanette Joyce Page at Reynolds United Methodist Church in Ashton, Illinois.

Gene spent his career as a printer in Poplar Bluff, MO, owning Hub City Printing in Rochelle, and then at Landmark Printing in Rockford, IL. Gene and Joyce moved from Poplar Bluff to Rochelle in 1959, where he became an active member of the Reynolds United Methodist Church, serving in many positions throughout the years.

Gene loved singing. At a young age, he began singing with a quartet on KWOC in Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed traveling with Joyce and his family through the United States, Canada, Mexico and parts of Europe.

Gene is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Joyce Brake of DeKalb, IL; two daughters: Theresa Tippy of Elgin, IL and Sharon (Tom) Hogue of Aurora, IL; two grandchildren: Elizabeth Tippy of Orlando, FL and Matthew David Hogue of Aurora, IL and his brother, Larry (Maggie) Brake of Atlanta, GA.

In addition to his parents, his is preceded in death by his two brothers and sisters-in-law: Roy (Joyce) Brake of Monroe, LA and Cecil (Nadine) Brake of Poplar Bluff, MO.

The visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Reynolds United Methodist Church, 2496 Reynold Road, Ashton. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., Saturday with Pastor Jan Shaulis officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the National Guard Honor Guard. Memorials may be made in Gene’s memory to Reynolds United Methodist Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.