Entered into Eternal life on June 14, 2016 at the age of 81 years. Beloved husband of the late Mary “Kay”. Loving father of Eric (Laurie), Judie (Sean) Reynolds and the late Raymond. Proud grandfather of Rebecca (Jon) Fredrickson, Justin, Carly and Abby; and great-grandfather of Jasmyn, Damon and Isabella. Dearest brother of Lee (the late Doris) Van Garsse. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Visitation on Monday, June 20th at ST. MONICA PARISH, 5601 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay from 2:00 PM until time of celebration of Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 PM. Private Interment. 

Gene was born in Chicago, Illinois, attended St. Jerome’s High school, and then went onto serve in the US Army, and in the Korean War. After completing his military tour, he attended Marquette University where he met his bride Kay.  He worked for Commercial Shearing and Stamping, in Youngstown Ohio, and Newark New Jersey from 1960 to 1971. They then moved back to Milwaukee, where Gene became a United States Customs House Broker and began his career with Salentine and Co from 1971- 1990.  He finished his business career with General Electric Co., when he retired in 1995.  

Gene was most proud of answering the call from God to become a Deacon in the Catholic Church. He was ordained in 1983, and began his most fulfilling journey.  He served as Deacon at St Eugene Parish until 1993 then eventually transferred to St. Monica where he finished his ministry serving as Deacon and Associate Pastor for 25 years. He prided himself on his gift of Preaching the Word, and touched many lives through his homilies, weddings, baptisms, and the countless other ministries he did out in the community. He was a “Father “ to many, always offering support, a kind smile, or a smart joke, and made an impact on everyone he met along the way. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Continued Scholarship in Raymond Van Garsse’s name to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Project Success. Check can be made to the UW Oshkosh Foundation and in the memo line write: Ray Van Garsse Scholarship Fund.