Eugene 'Gene' Zehnpfennig, 91, Published May 30, 2009
Eugene "Gene" Charles Zehnpfennig, 91 of Reedsburg, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at St. Clare's Hospice Center in Baraboo after a bout with pancreatic cancer. He was born on April 18, 1918, in Baraboo to Mathilda (Dunse) and Charles Zehnpfennig. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism in the Lutheran faith on February 29, 1920, at home. He grew up in Baraboo with his parents, a brother and two sisters and as a young boy attended St. John's Parochial School. He renewed his faith in Christ on his confirmation day, March 20, 1932, at St. John's Lutheran Church. After graduation from Baraboo High School he found employment in his hometown. When his country entered World War II in 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas in the European Theatre of Operations. The Almighty God preserved his life through the dangers of war and he returned home on Aug. 20, 1945. Gene was presently a member of Thurber-Greenwood VFW Post #1916. On June 18, 1949, he was united in marriage to Carolyn M. Sommers at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reedsburg where he also became a member. He was employed with A & P Tea Company grocery chain. When they disbanded their stores in Wisconsin, his brother-in-law, Russell Koch, employed him to work at his store, Koch's True Value Hardware. When Russ retired, he sold his business to Jim Isenberg. Gene continued to be employed at Marten's True Value in Reedsburg until June 2008. The Lord's blessing of good health enabled him to work well into his advanced years. His kindness and patience was evident in the lives of those around him and he will be sadly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Reedsburg; daughter, Cheryl and son-in-law Gary Fenske of Baraboo; granddaughters, Meghan and Molly Fenske; and other close relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Eugene Zehnpfennig will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Reverend Paul Crolius officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Reedsburg VFW Post 1916. Friends may call on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg. Memorials of remembrance may be made to St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, in lieu of flowers.
The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.