Obituary: Eugene George Sleeman

Longtime electrician and sound equipment business owner passes away at 71

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:04am

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Eugene George Sleeman, a longtime union electrician who later worked at the Sterling Steel Mill and owned a small sound equipment business, has passed away at the age of 71. Sleeman is survived by his wife Jennifer, four daughters, two sons, nine grandchildren, his father and stepmother, a brother, and a cousin.

Why it matters

Sleeman's obituary highlights the life of a hardworking family man who dedicated decades to his career as an electrician and pursued his passion for music and sound equipment on the side. His story reflects the experiences of many blue-collar workers in the Midwest who balanced careers, family, and personal interests.

The details

Sleeman was born in 1955 in Muskegon, Michigan and was raised and educated in the state. He later attended DeVry University in Chicago and worked for many years as a union electrician before joining the Sterling Steel Mill in 2003, where he worked until his retirement in 2021. Outside of his day job, Sleeman owned and operated a small business called Sound & Stage, providing sound equipment for local bands and events in the area. He was deeply passionate about music and sound, building and repairing speakers to ensure the perfect audio experience.

  • Sleeman was born on January 5, 1955.
  • He married Jennifer H. Abramson on November 18, 2016 in Morrison, Illinois.
  • Sleeman retired from the Sterling Steel Mill in 2021 after working there since 2003.
  • His visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • His funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

The players

Eugene George Sleeman

A 71-year-old man who worked as a union electrician for many years before joining the Sterling Steel Mill in 2003, where he worked until his retirement in 2021. He also owned and operated a small sound equipment business called Sound & Stage.

Jennifer H. Abramson

Sleeman's wife, whom he married in 2016.

Gerald and Loretta Sleeman

Sleeman's father and stepmother.

Paul Sleeman

Sleeman's brother.

Marilee Wexstaff

Sleeman's special cousin.

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What’s next

Sleeman's funeral service and interment will take place this weekend.

The takeaway

Sleeman's life story highlights the importance of balancing work, family, and personal passions. His dedication to his career as an electrician and his love for music and sound equipment reflect the experiences of many hardworking Midwestern families.