Eugene “Gene” LaRose, 86
Eugene (Gene) LaRose, age 86, of Stevens Point died peacefully in this sleep at home surrounded by his loving family Friday morning March 3, 2023.
Gene was born in Oshkosh, Wis., the son of the late Clarence and Leone (née Kelly) LaRose on October 29, 1936. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1955. Gene was a member of the 1954 state tournament basketball team that was defeated by the eventual champion Stevens Point High.
On August 23, 1958 he married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Schroeder at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oshkosh. Upon graduating from La Crosse State Teachers College in 1959, he began service in the Stevens Point Public School District as a math and physical education teacher at Emerson Jr. High School.
Gene later served as elementary physical education supervisor followed by principal positions at McKinley, Kennedy, and McDill Elementary schools.
He retired in 1994 from the school district after 35 years of service. Gene established the inaugural fifth- and sixth-grade Elementary School District Track Meet. In 2019 (the 50th year of the event) the track meet was renamed to the Gene LaRose Elementary Track Meet in his honor. Thousands of Stevens Point students have participated and continue to participate in this annual event.
After retirement, he immersed himself in civic and church volunteer work. In 1998, Gene received the National Community Service Award from the American Association of Retired Persons (ARRP) for his outstanding contributions to the community through leadership in the Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers’ Association (SPARTA). He was a charter member of the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club and was an active member of the Stevens Point Elks Club.
He volunteered extensively at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program through the Portage County Commission on Aging at Lincoln Center. Gene helped start a Senior and Law Enforcement Together Council and was elected and reelected as its first chairperson. Gene was a regular bell ringer for the Salvation Army Annual Holiday Drive.
He was a volunteer for Ministry Life Direct Interfaith Food Pantry. Gene was a leader within Holy Spirit Catholic Church, including serving as a member of Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society and serving as an usher.
Gene and Sue were welcoming and enthusiastic hosts for informal get-togethers for family, friends, neighbors and school staff. Gene enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He enjoyed bicycling, snowmobiling, travel, cultivating roses in his garden, playing Euchre, square dancing, and of course, was an avid Packers fan.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Suzanne, and children Jeff (Luanne) of Plover and Laurie (Bruce) Mueller of Ann Arbor, Mich. He is also survived by his grandchildren: David LaRose, Elizabeth Roe, Stephen LaRose, Timothy LaRose, Christine Hagar, Brian Mueller, Becky Werme, eight great-grandchildren, and one brother Richard (Linda) LaRose.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother Raymond.
The family would like to thank all their friends who helped support Gene in his final days, especially Bonnie Grubba (our angel) who brought Communion and continual loving support. We also thank the Compassus Home Hospice staff for their compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Gene’s name will be established at a later date. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Rev. Steve Brice officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Burial will take place at a later date in the Guardian Angel Cemetery.
Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.