Dr. Eugene Leroy VandenBoss, age 84, of Adrian, Michigan passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Promedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital.
Gene was born on July 16, 1941, in Flint, MI, the son of Roy Miller and Edna Kathrine (Pinckney) VandenBoss. Gene enjoyed learning and had an inquisitive nature from a young age. Musically inclined, he played the baritone through high school and kept on going all the way through college. He attended the University of Michigan – Flint for his bachelor’s degree; and obtained his master’s degree and PhD in Mathematics from Michigan State University.
On June 18, 1966, Gene married Nancy Carol Stokoe in their hometown area of Flint, MI. They made an excellent team raising their children and creating many family memories over the years. Gene had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time out on the water. The family had many boating adventures, including canoeing and water skiing. Many of the lakes and rivers from Lenawee County all the way to Houghton Lake, MI have had the VandenBoss family enjoying the outdoors. Their family camping trips started with everyone helping to set up tents and get the area ready for the campfire. As the years progressed, so did their camping gear, with the Alaskan Wilderness being their favorite trailer in the final years. Gene had a great eye for photography, originally starting out as a hobby and then transitioning this skill into commercial photography while in college. He worked at Hicks Studio while going to college.
Dr. VandenBoss was a professor of Mathematics at Adrian College for 36 years. During his time at AC, he was involved in setting up the original computer lab with Dr. Bill Craft. Gene encouraged the students to push themselves and supported them in their quest for knowledge. He retired in 2004 and was proud of all the advancements he was a part of while at Adrian College.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Carol, he is survived by their children, son, Allen Leroy VandenBoss and daughter, Joanne Cay Martz; grandchildren, Andrew L. VandenBoss, Kaylyn R. Tabaka and Carolyn A. Martz; and sister, Maxine H. (Peter) Henning. Gene was preceded in death by his infant son, Vernon Lee VandenBoss.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian; and again, on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10 to 11 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11 AM on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the John R. Dawson Scholarship at Adrian College.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
Gene was born on July 16, 1941, in Flint, MI, the son of Roy Miller and Edna Kathrine (Pinckney) VandenBoss. Gene enjoyed learning and had an inquisitive nature from a young age. Musically inclined, he played the baritone through high school and kept on going all the way through college. He attended the University of Michigan – Flint for his bachelor’s degree; and obtained his master’s degree and PhD in Mathematics from Michigan State University.
On June 18, 1966, Gene married Nancy Carol Stokoe in their hometown area of Flint, MI. They made an excellent team raising their children and creating many family memories over the years. Gene had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time out on the water. The family had many boating adventures, including canoeing and water skiing. Many of the lakes and rivers from Lenawee County all the way to Houghton Lake, MI have had the VandenBoss family enjoying the outdoors. Their family camping trips started with everyone helping to set up tents and get the area ready for the campfire. As the years progressed, so did their camping gear, with the Alaskan Wilderness being their favorite trailer in the final years. Gene had a great eye for photography, originally starting out as a hobby and then transitioning this skill into commercial photography while in college. He worked at Hicks Studio while going to college.
Dr. VandenBoss was a professor of Mathematics at Adrian College for 36 years. During his time at AC, he was involved in setting up the original computer lab with Dr. Bill Craft. Gene encouraged the students to push themselves and supported them in their quest for knowledge. He retired in 2004 and was proud of all the advancements he was a part of while at Adrian College.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Carol, he is survived by their children, son, Allen Leroy VandenBoss and daughter, Joanne Cay Martz; grandchildren, Andrew L. VandenBoss, Kaylyn R. Tabaka and Carolyn A. Martz; and sister, Maxine H. (Peter) Henning. Gene was preceded in death by his infant son, Vernon Lee VandenBoss.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian; and again, on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10 to 11 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11 AM on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the John R. Dawson Scholarship at Adrian College.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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