Eugene F. Wallace, age 88, of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids.

Private family memorial services for Eugene were held and military rites were provided by VFW Post #5960 of Nekoosa.

Eugene was born on September 26, 1930 in Ixonia, Wisconsin to the late Clifford and Eva (Bates) Wallace. He married Matilda Torres on September 29, 1951 in Brooklyn, NY. Eugene worked as a truck driver for over 30 years for Gross Common Carrier, retiring in 1990. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1947 – 1952. During his time in the Navy, Eugene was stationed in New Foundland, Bermuda and on the hospital ship, U.S.S. Taluga.

Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking many trips to Winter, Wisconsin to deer hunt and loved putting he boat in Lake Arrowhead and other lakes to try his luck. (I think the fish were scared when they heard the boat hit the water), but he loved the outdoors especially the many types of birds that came to visit his home. Gene was a High Roller at the local casino slamming many pennies into his favorite machines. One of his favorites was Harley Davidson motorcycles of which he had a few over the years and of course camping and touring the United States with his wife and family in their fifth wheel trailer. Gene was also fond of music of all kinds but usually leaned toward the old Country and Western.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Matilda, four children Linda (John) Dentice, Sidney (Jane Beine) Wallace, Debbie (Gerald) Luedke and Kim Hendricks; grandchildren Anthony (Naomi) Tolfa, Kristina (Tony) Longoria and Genavie Grzesiak; five great-grandchildren Tyler, Ethan, Alex, Layona and Madison.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Clifford and Sidney Wallace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the UW-Riverview Cancer Center.

Eugene’s family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff on the second floor at Aspirus Riverview Hospital, especially Dr. Mukerji and Chaplain Kristi Kleinbeck, for the wonderful care given to Eugene and his family. Your kindness and compassion during his stay were greatly appreciated.

Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements.