Gene K. Alber

Gene K. Alber, 82, of La Porte, Indiana, transitioned to his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Northwest Health La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

A time of visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following the service, with burial at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Gene was born in Logansport, Indiana on March 2, 1944, to the late Leo Alber and Ethel Alber née Parmeter. He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Mollie Alber; mother of his children, Mary Alber née Stanton; sister, Marion "Lou" Beale née Alber; brother-in-law, John Beale; in-laws, Richard D. and Mildred Stanton née Tobin; cousin, Wes Parmeter; and faithful companion, SharkieLiz.

Gene began a long, dutiful career by serving his country for three years as a U.S. Army soldier with the 24th Infantry Division stationed in West Germany in the 1960s. After an honorable discharge as Sergeant E-5, he completed a master's degree in secondary education from Indiana State University, before becoming a teacher, a coach, an athletic director, and an assistant principal at Rogers High School.

Gene believed fiercely in the power of education, a value he transferred to and nourished in his children and his grandchildren. His career later took him to Tulsa, Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas, two cities that always remained dear to his heart due to the many friends he made there. After many years away, Gene returned to his native Indiana for his "retirement", which for him meant continuing to work as a substitute teacher for the La Porte school system.

Along with his unimpeachable work ethic and his love of knowledge, Gene was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum. Anyone who had "Mr. A" in class knew that he loved sharks and that he wouldn't stand for any nonsense - even if he was the first person to help and encourage a student who needed him. Gene always had the latest Stephen King novel, was ready to leave for a cross-country road trip at the drop of a hat and had a deep passion for Lake Michigan -forcing his grandchildren every year to follow him out onto the beach at Washington Park, even in freezing conditions. He loved his family, his God, his yellow lab, SharkieLiz, and his life. Gene leaves us with his three rules that he always taught his students: Be nice. Do what is right. Do your best. He will be deeply missed.

Gene is survived by two children, Tracy (David) Jakel of Michigan City and Christopher (Gina) Alber PhD of La Porte; three grandchildren, Maverick (Selim) Blanton of Lille, France, Alexa (Giovanni) Blanton of Rome, Italy, and Chase Alber of La Porte; great-granddaughter, Eleonora Vassallo of Rome, Italy; nieces, Pam (Bill) Mickler of Lafayette, Kris (David) Downey of Lafayette, and Lisa (Ed) Beale of Indianapolis; nephew, Tom (Leana) Beale of Somerset, South Africa; and countless beloved family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CASA c/o Family Advocates, 1104 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cutlercares.com.