GENE PICKERING, age 82, of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Horton VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso. Gene was an area resident for 59 years and was a US Air Force Veteran. He retired from US Steel as a crane operator and was a member and Deacon at The First Baptist Church of South Haven. Gene was survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jeanette, 4 sons: Jerry (Tracy) Pickering of Holden, MO, Randy (Terry) Pickering, Chuck (Sandy) Pickering and Donnie (Sebrena) Pickering, all of Valparaiso, 2 daughters: Paula Gualandi of Hobart and Sandy (John) Hennrich of Valparaiso, 17 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, brothers, Bob (Mary) Pickering of Perrysville, MO, Leonard Pickering of Shelbyville, TN, sister, Norma Pickering of Carrier Mills, IL and nieces & nephews. His parents, Knox & Thelma Pickering and brother, Alvin Pickering, preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Horton VNA Hospice Center. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 2-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 2:00 pm at The First Baptist Church of South Haven, 780 N. McCool Road, (South Haven) Valparaiso, with Pastor Phil Needler officiating. Mr. Pickering will be taken to church Sunday at 1:00 pm. After local services he will be taken to Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home, 106 E. Walnut St., Carrier Mills, Illinois, for visitation on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 9-11 am and graveside services immediately following at Salem Cemetery. For information please call Rees Funeral Home, 219-942-2109 or online www.ReesFuneralHomes.com.