Eugene "Gene" I. Weitzel, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2024. He was born on March 29,1947, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the son of Ireneus and Almeda (Sherman) Weitzel, and grew up on a farm in Bear Valley.

Gene attended schools in Bear Valley and Loretta Ridge (including a one-room schoolhouse led by Miss Francis Munz, who later taught his and Bonnie's children at Spruce Street Elementary School in Sauk City) and graduated from River Valley High School in 1965.

Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969, serving overseas during the Vietnam War as a crew chief mechanic for C-130 Hercules airplanes. His time in the Air Force sparked a love of flying, and he obtained his private pilot's license and co-owned a Cessna 150. He loved sharing his joy of flying with others, taking family members and friends on trips around the state.

After his service, Gene continued his career as a mechanic, working on cars, tractors, and pretty much anything with an engine. During his years as a mechanic, he always logged extra hours in his home garage, fixing vehicles for friends, family, and the local community. No issue was too small or too big, he was happy to help out, whether doing an oil change or rebuilding an engine. He charged very little, and often worked for free, as he enjoyed his work and took pride in providing service that everyone could afford. Combining his work ethic and penchant for helping others, he found time to serve as a volunteer fireman, as well. He was proud to have passed his strong work ethic on to his children.

It's notable that Gene was a man of strong opinions regarding equipment with engines, and he was a staunch Ford and John Deere man. His love of John Deere tractors grew over the years, and he proudly wore the John Deere logo daily. The John Deere green and yellow served double duty, as he was also an avid Packers fan.

After 42 loving years together, Eugene was united in marriage to Bonnie Schonenberger on March 25, 2023. Despite being officially married for a short period of time, they were married in spirit throughout their decades together and were often referred to in the singular "Bonnie&Gene."

He is survived by Bonnie and her children, Amy Schonenberger and Joni Schonenberger, and his children, David, Aimee (Michael) Becker, and Renee Frick, as well as his grandchildren, Tyler, Maddie, Spencer, Greta, and Davis, his siblings, Mary (Richard) Carver, Donald Weitzel, Ronald Weitzel, Annamarie Casey, and Judy Marion, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is known by family and many friends affectionately as "Genie," and is remembered as a loving husband, proud and loving father and grandfather, caring brother, and favorite uncle by many of his nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; and infant son, Douglas; his sister, Beulah "Tooty" Roessler, and other family and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will take place on Sunday, October 6, from 1:00p to 3:00p at the Sauk Prairie VFW Lachmund-Cramer Post 7694 in Prairie du Sac; Military Honors will take place at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.heat4heroes.org/  in support of Veterans in need.  Alternatively, Gene would be just as honored for you to think of him the next time you see a John Deere logo or watch one of his favorite Wisconsin sports teams, the Packers, Badgers, or Brewers.