Eugene “Gene” Edward Katzer, 90

Eugene “Gene” Edward Katzer, age 90, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2024, at Willow Brooke Senior Living.

Gene was born on April 15, 1934, in Milwaukee, to Herbert and Violet Katzer. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Rufus King High School. In 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Rose Woods, née Woods, in Dubuque, Iowa. They were loving partners for 73 years.

Gene was a self-made man and a voracious reader. He immersed himself in every subject that fascinated him, from canoeing and sailing to hunting, fishing, and Texas-style barbecue.

In 1956, Gene joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the second recruiting class, proudly wearing Badge No. 131. In 1957, he became the State Patrol’s first motorcycle officer, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He also served in the Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin Army Reserve for 10 years, beginning in 1952.

In the mid-1960s, with a growing family, Gene made a career change, joining Sentry Insurance. He quickly advanced within the company, eventually becoming a vice president. In 1985, a new opportunity brought him to northern California as a vice president with American Express. In 1990, Gene and Rose moved to Texas, where he pursued his lifelong dream of ranching, establishing GR Ranch in Millsap.

Gene was a dedicated member of Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church in Stevens Point, where he served as an elder and helped create a daycare center.

Gene and Rose returned to Wisconsin in 2022 to be closer to family.

He is survived by his wife, Rose; his sister, Eunice Chance; his children, Linda Jessen, Pam (Gene) Clark, David (Caroline) Katzer, Penny (Rick) Pennick, Cindy (John) Evans, Jean (Jim Braga) Katzer, Daniel (Kathy) Katzer, Jennifer (Jeff) Herron, and Andrew Katzer; 20 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Herbert and Ronald; son-in-law, Carl Jessen; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Willow Brooke Senior Living, Wellington Place at Whiting, and Heartland Hospice for their care and comfort.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1300 Main St., Stevens Point. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.