Verona

In the early morning on January 12, 2017,Gene, 90 years young, with his daughters by his side, left his loving family to join the love of his life, Lil. He was born on the home farm in Riley on February 20, 1926, the son of the late Reinhart and Mary McDonald (Seth) Haegele. Gene grew up on the family farm, moved to Verona when he was about 15, where he graduated from Verona High School. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and spent three years in the Pacific Theatre. He clearly remembered being on board ship to witness the signing of the treaty ending WWII. He returned home in March, 1946 and soon after joined the Merchant Marines. After delivering cargo to China he returned home for a few months where he met the love of his life, Lil, at the Dugout in Verona. Dad always joked that that ended his Merchant Marine career. He and Lillian Klotz were united in marriage on July 21, 1951 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Verona and she preceded him in death on July 26, 2002, after 51 loving years together.

Gene was a brick layer and worked many years for, and retired from, Tony Grignano Construction. He enjoyed bowling, hunting and camping with family and many local friends. He also loved fishing with his good friends, Earl, Roman, Larry, Herman and nephew, Red, which included many trips to Canada.

Gene is survived by two daughters, Susan (Steve) Lingard, Jennifer Haegele; three grandchildren, Brenda (Matt) Swanson, Mikaela and Torleif Ehrke; great-grandchildren, Emily, Violet and Sammy Swanson, and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by four siblings, Max, Claudia, Olga and Tom; sister-in-law, Gladys and brother-in-law Bill.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ewalt, Jennifer and Beth with Agrace HospiceCare, and Adam Gullickson who assisted the family as they cared for dad.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 N. Main Street, with Fr. William Vernon presiding. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 9:30 until the time of Mass. Please consider memorials in lieu of flowers to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, 53711. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Eugene Haegele

February 20, 1926 - January 12, 2017

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