Eugene (Gene) Alfred Edward Madison, age 86, of Waupaca, WI, passed away with his daughters by his side on Thursday, March 16, 2017.
He was married to Romelda (Behn) Madison and shared 65 years of marriage together. He was born on November 4, 1930 in Poy Sippi, WI to Marvin and Margaret (Klick) Madison. Gene graduated from Weyauwega High School and married Romelda (Romy) June 10, 1951. Together they raised six children. He was in management at both Simmons, Inc. and MillCraft Housing Corp. Gene was a strong man of faith and an active member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving as a Church Elder for years. He was an avid reader and well versed in American History with a fondness of the Civil War. His interests included traveling throughout the United States as well as a passion for farming, John Deere equipment in particular. His main joy was woodworking; creating and crafting hundreds of pieces of furniture for family and friends, including items for area churches. Gene will be remembered for being kind and humble and being the father of six girls (no boys). Most of all, he will be remembered for his happy marriage and loving devotion to his wife Romy.
He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Madison, Debra Muraski (Tom), Robin Anderson (Kent), Jill Patterson (Geof), Jacqueline Van Deraa (Doug), and Rebecca Madison; grandchildren, Theodore Robbins (Jen), Seth Madison, Sarah Cherian (Satish), Paul Anderson, Mara Tarp (Michael), Eric Kragh (Mandi), Nathan Kragh (Ting), Jacob Wilson, Joshua Wilson, and Joshua Van Deraa; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Gengler (Mark). He was preceded in death by his spouse, Romelda (Behn) Madison; his parents; sister, Joan Wiberg; grandson, Charlie Patterson; and great-grandson, Cameron Robbins.
A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, March 24 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1120 Evans Street, Waupaca, WI. Pastor Ron Siemers will officiate. A visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 10-11 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.