Gene Schwalbe

SCHWALBE, EUGENE GENE FREDERICK, Of CEDARBURG. Sunday, April 17, 2005, Gene left in peace knowing that God had called him home. He was surrounded by all nine of his children and Helen, the love of his life for nearly 49 years. As a gift to his family and friends Gene’s great courage and unending humor were an inspiration throughout his battle with cancer. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Amanda and Rueben Schwalbe and his brother, Ken. Survivors of our fun loving father are his beloved wife, Helen and his children; Vincent Emy, David Laurie, Tim Maureen, Chris Jim Beach, Shellie Jeff Olson, Jacquie Steve Garrett, Cathi Paul Bouzide, Charity Mike Gahan and Amy Bruce Resnick. Very proud grandpa to Rose and Christina Schwalbe, Sheri and Bill Schwalbe, Justin Jennifer Nodolske, Sarah Judd McNaughton, Lt. Benjamin Jamie Beach, Laura Beach and Navy Airman Daniel Beach, Jordon, PFC Chad and Steven Olson, Alex and Ruby Garrett. Very proud great-grandpa to James Joseph Schwalbe and Naomi McNaughton. He is also survived by his beloved sister and brother; Dolores Irvin Luisier, Leon Pat Schwalbe and special nieces and nephews. The children of Gene and Helen would also like to give a special thanks to our parent’s friends who have rallied around them in recent years. Gene was born March 9, 1934 in the town of Eaton, near Collins, Wisconsin, living his earliest years in Reedsville and then settling in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. During his childhood he developed a love for horses and the country life. He continued to enjoy his passion for horses with his involvement in the Appaloosa Horseman’s Association and as a horsemanship leader with his children’s activities in 4-H and Ozaukee Girl’s Club. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Radar Specialist at Truax Air Force base in Madison, Wisconsin. Following his military service he trained as a chef, a profession of which he was always proud. In Madison he met his life partner, Helen. Gene’s profession took his family to the Milwaukee area where they eventually settled in the town of Cedarburg, where they raised their family and have lived for over 40 years. Gene was Chef-Mgr. of cafeteria at Eaton-Cutler Hammer for 30 years. Gene was a business owner and member of the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce as well as a dedicated member of the Cedarburg Lion’s Club for over 30 years. He served as president in 1978 and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service in 1998. Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Christopher Budny for his devotion to giving our husband and father the best medical care possible along with the nurses and staff of Columbia St. Mary’s. Family reflections: Gene was uniquely self-reliant, very hard working, a man who considered family his most important responsibility and enjoyment. He was a whisperer to horses and grandchildren. Gene loved the simple things in life: a drive in the country, strolling through a flea market with his wife, spending time with his friends and the occasional trip to the local Fleet Farm. His presence will be dearly missed. Funeral Service, Wednesday April 20, 1:00 PM at First Immanuel Lutheran Church corner of Evergreen Blvd. & Cleveland. Interment Immanuel Cemetery. Instate at the Church 10 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers contributions to First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cedarburg Lion’s Club, Alliance Bible Church Mequon or the organization of your choice would be appreciated. Cemetery: Immanuel Cemetery Cedarburg, WI (map/driving directions) Visitation: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at First Immanuel Lutheran Church W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 on April 20, 2005 (map/driving directions) First Immanuel Lutheran Church W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 (map/driving directions) Service: 1:00 PM at First Immanuel Lutheran Church W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 on April 20, 2005 (map/driving directions)