A Wisconsin credit union community is shocked and saddened Monday, learning of the untimely death of Eugene Szymczak, president/CEO of the $1.6 billion Educators Credit Union.
The Mount Pleasant-based credit union announced that Szymczak died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday at his home. He was 67.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Gene Szymczak. He was, first and foremost, a generous, selfless human being, as well as an inspiring leader,” ECU’s Board Chair Mary Lueneburg, said.
“Gene considered everyone in the Educators organization an extension of his family. He made it a point to know the first name of those who work here, and took great pleasure in interacting with our members,” she said. “He will be deeply missed. His drive to service, excellence and doing what is right will be hallmarks that we will carry forward with us. On behalf of our board of directors, management team and employees, we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”
As of Monday afternoon, hundreds of members, employees and community members expressed their condolences on the credit union’s Facebook site. Many of them echoed Lueneburg’s sentiments about the late CEO’s kindness, his warmth, his humility, his generosity, his hugs, his smiles, and his love for everyone.
“Gene was one of the most caring people I knew,” Karen Flynn posted on Facebook. “I had the opportunity to have worked for him in the early years of his loan officer days. He and his HUGS will truly be missed. Such a sad day.”
“I have been a member of ECU for 40+ years,” Nancy Sandler wrote. “I remember when Gene was just starting out there. He always remembered me and once even congratulated me when I paid my first car loan off! I thought he was a remarkable person and I am deeply saddened by this. Prayers and love to his family. Such a great loss to the ECU community.
“My first day at Educators I decided to hold the door open for someone walking out of the building,” Jose Rosales wrote. “That person just happened to be Gene. He, realizing that he had not seen my face in the building before, took the time to introduce himself and show me around the office. Gene was a great man with an infectious smile and a kind heart. He will be truly missed by all of us.”
“Gene was the finest of men, generous beyond compare, a loss for the entire community,” Barb Tylenda wrote on Facebook.
“What a sad day for all who loved Gene,” Cheryl Broderick Kothe wrote. “My sympathies to his family, friends and coworkers. He will be missed. Please live as Gene has…a humble man who always gave back to his community. Put people first!”
Plans for a celebration of Szymczak’s life and extensive contribution to the community will be finalized in the coming days and additional announcements will be released, the ECU board said.
The board also held a meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss the plan for succession to ensure the continuity of the ECU’s member service, operations and strategic direction. The board has appointed Linda Hoover, COO, to serve as interim CEO. She previously served as vice president of lending for the credit union.
