Eugene “Gene” Werner

Eugene “Gene” Werner, 74, of Oshkosh passed away unexpectedly from an abdominal aortic aneurysm at his home on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. He was born on February 19, 1947, to the late Robert and Rosemary (Smith) Werner.

It was in his teen years that he met, and fell in love with his Lourde’s classmate, Suzanne “Sue” Nebel. At the end of each school year, charming young Gene would find the nerve to “break-up” with Sue just in time for summer fishing, only to find himself asking her back out at the beginning of each school year.

After graduating in 1965, he immediately enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam, came home in 1967 and while on leave, married Sue and was shipped out to continue his service in Japan. It was in Japan that he was reunited with his “Queen”, and then welcomed their first child, Marie.

Upon returning back to the states, Gene and Sue were blessed with their son Aaron, followed by Nikolaus, and then had the opportunity to adopt baby girl, Jessie. They opened their home to countless foster children while raising their family over the years.

Gene served on the Oshkosh Fire Department for 31 years and attained the rank of Battalion Chief prior to his retirement. He appreciated the camaraderie that accompanied his position at Fire Station 15.

Gene and Sue are faithful members of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish- St. Peter’s site. If he wasn’t ushering at 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, he could be found sitting in one of the front pews with his “Love”. He beautifully carried out his sacramental vows of marriage to Sue, you could see pure love radiate from his body every time he looked at or talked about her. Our family finds an overwhelming comfort in knowing he is now forever united to us in the Intercession of the Communion of Saints.

Gene was a busy body who couldn’t sit still for long. Among his many talents, he was a master painter, wood refinisher, “treasure hunter”, world's greatest hugger, and avid fisherman.  He enjoyed his yearly trips to Canada with “the Guys”, tied his own fishing flies, cleaned fish so well that the grandkids didn’t know fish had bones, and could cook a mean fish fry. In retirement, you could find his smiling face at the Pick N’ Save deli, or the Lowe’s paint department. He lived for overnights at the cottage with the grandkids, canning THE BEST pickles and beets, making homemade knodles, Red Hots applesauce, candies, and sauerkraut, and keeping up with current events. He was truly the most devoted husband, dad, Bapa, brother, Uncle Butch, and friend. A true hero to our family.

Gene is lovingly survived by his “Orschwochkle”, Sue Werner; children: Marie (Jeff) Sievers, Nikolaus (Elke) Werner, and Jessie (Jim) Wiles; grandchildren: Kelsey, Karisa, Ashley (Trevor), Torin, Bryce, Kayleigh, Caleb, Zackariah, Aleena, and Cully; brother: Richard (Joan) Werner; sister: Kathleen Teske; sisters-in-law: Sharon and Sandra Werner; special nephew and niece: Mike (Wendy) Werner and Sandie (Jake) Sellesen, in addition to many other nieces and nephews; best friend: John Bellin.

In addition to his parents, Gene is united in death with his son, Aaron Werner; brothers: Gilbert and Robert Werner; sister: Carol (Robert) Jacobs.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Gene will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish- St. Peter's site, 449 High Ave. with Fr. Jerome Pastors officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Military Honors will follow. Inurment will be held at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.

Thank you to the Oshkosh Fire Department and Oshkosh Police Department for your efforts with Gene. Your kindness and compassion at such a difficult time was deeply appreciated by our family.

We love you big time, Bapa!