Gene Klapperich

Gene was born March 3, 1932 in Wausau to the late Edward and Margaret (Isaacson) Klapperich. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School before serving in the US Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of corporal. For a time, he attended UW-Marathon County and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He met the love of his life, Geraldine "Gerry" Eggebrecht, and on May 14, 1955 they were married in Wausau. Upon returning from the service, Gene went to work for his father at City Lumber and Supply Company, starting as a truck driver and working his way up to General Manager before the business was sold over twenty years later. Gene soon found work with the University of Wisconsin–Marathon County as the Maintenance Supervisor. During this time, Gene and Gerry raised three children; Barbara, Jeffry and Sandra. After 55 wonderful years together, Gene Klapperich, 78, Rib Mountain, went to be with his Lord, Sunday December 12, 2010 at his home.

Gene was a good man who in his younger years enjoyed fishing and hunting with his father and father-in-law. As time went on, his interests changed and coin collecting, reading, gardening and home improvements took over. Throughout his life, Gene enjoyed going up to the family cottage on Skunk Lake to spend time with Gerry and the family. This led to a love of collecting stuffed and ceramic skunks which now fill the cottage. When grandchildren arrived, he rarely missed an opportunity to be at soccer and softball games and school plays.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Gerry; children, Barbara (Greg) Senn, Portales, NM, Jeff (Jeanne) Klapperich, Wausau and Sandy (Dan) Ocker, Green Bay; grandchildren, Anne (Dan) Booker, Chicago, IL, Laura (Scott) Welge, St. Louis Park, MN, Michael (Katie) Klapperich, Stevens Point, Jennifer Senn, Madison, Adam (Rene) Klapperich, Madison, Jacob Senn, Portales, NM, Sharon Klapperich, Wausau and Nathaniel Ocker, Green Bay; sister, Joan (Milt) Seehafer, Wausau; and many friends and members of his extended family. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Susan.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Friday, December 17, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Gary Schultz will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM on Friday at the church and last until the time of service at 3:00 PM. You may sign our family guest book at www.helke.com.