Eugene Edward Droes

Eugene Edward Droes, age 75 of Marion, WI passed away peacefully at his home Friday, March 27, 2015. 

His journey in life has ended but while he lived, he led a full and happy life as a wonderful husband, loving father, beloved grandfather and a great friend.

Gene’s journey started when he was born on May 30, 1939 to Lorenz and Burgess (Peck) Droes.  He grew up in Reedsburg, WI with his brother, Larry.  He joined the Army reserves when he was a junior in High School and served until 8/31/64. He graduated with the HS class of ’57 and many of his classmates were lifelong friends.  In Dec 1959, he married Lois Adams and they had three children, Christopher, Dawn and Cheryl. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed all the pleasures they brought into his life.  In 1960, he started working in Research & Development at Oscar Mayer Corporation, where he worked for 36 years. During this time he helped develop many products that are still made today.  He was fortunate to take an early retirement and enjoyed 19 years working with wood to create furniture, finish off basements, build garages, porches and decks. He was happiest when he could work outdoors on projects.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. When the children were young he loved going camping and skiing.  His journeys took him, with Lois, to all fifty states, Canada, & Mexico where they visited good friends in many states. They took many trips with long time friends, the Harrisons and had great times at their cottage. They joined the Craig’s and cousins on exciting trips. They also had fun times with friends from Oscar Mayer, Waupaca area and Marion. They loved to journey all over Wisconsin to watch their grandchildren play in sports. They traveled to Madison to watch Badger football games for forty years and traveled to many Big Ten stadiums and tournament games.  They also traveled to watch the Packer games but he was best at being a recliner coach, watching the Packers on TV.

For 13 years he battled cancer, but his body could not endure any more treatment and pain so his journey ended at home with his wife and daughter, Cheryl,  at his side.

He is survived by Lois, his wife of 55 years, son Christopher, wife Kim, sons Cody and Kory, St.Germain,WI,   daughter Dawn, her children Rachel and Tyler Blomdahl , Rhinelander, WI , daughter Cheryl and her daughter Jessica CaPaul, Stevens Point, WI.  He is also survived by his brother, Larry and wife Patricia, McFarland, WI, his nieces Kathy, Beaver Dam, WI, Lucinda, McFarland, WI, and nephew, Larry, Belleville, WI and their families.   In addition, he is survived by his Aunt Myrtle Shulka, West Bend, WI  and many Droes and Peck cousins,  He is further survived by his in- laws, Dr. James and Carolyn Craig ,New Richmond, WI and their family, Bruce Adams and his family  Berlin, NJ and many Adams and Traxler cousins.

Eugene’s memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday April 4, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Marion, WI with Rev. Paul Nulton officiating.  Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Eugene’s family.  The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Marion is assisting his family.  An online guestbook for Eugene can be found at www.eberhardtstevenson.com.

Go Rest, High on the Mountain……G-Pa

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