Eugene William McArdle passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Fireside Nursing Home, Centralia, Illinois. He was born October 26, 1931, in Chicago, IL, the only child of William McArdle and Ethel Gleason.
He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 44 years, and his children with Judith Cogan Heikes: Brendan McArdle of Villa Park, IL; Darren (Annissa) McArdle of Villa Park, IL; Meghan (John) Everhart of Shelburn, IN; Kristin (Joseph) Scott of Cibolo, TX; Siobhan (Robert) Arnott of Colliersville, TN; and Eamon McArdle of Villa Park, IL.
He was a proud “Grandpa Mac” to 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Gene received a Ph. D. in Zoology from University of Illinois – Champagne Urbana and worked as a researcher and teacher at St. Mary’s College (University) in Winona, MN, Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, and Northeastern Illinois University. As an ecologist, he was instrumental in the expansion of the Illinois Prairie Path and maintaining the health of the Fox River in St. Charles, IL. He retired with his wife, Patricia to Salem, IL where he attended St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church and beautified Salem’s Bryan Memorial Park. Gene and Pat together were avid gardeners and antique collectors. He was also a poet, and ceramic and mosaic artist.
A memorial mass at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Salem will be held on September 28th, 2026, at 11:00 am. He will be interred in Calvary Cemetery in Lockport, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church and will be accepted at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97, Salem, IL 62881, who is honored to be of service to Eugene’s family.
