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Eugene E. Eake, age 91, of Neenah, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at his home. He was born June 19, 1929, to the late Leonard and Linda (Mueller) Eake and the youngest son of eleven children. On June 24, 1952, he married his wife of 69 years, Joan R (Thompson) Eake. Gene and Joan lived in the town of Clayton where they farmed a bit and raised their family of five children.

Eugene graduated from 8th grade and then went to help on his parent’s farm. He continued to work in a lumber mill and then went on to Millwright school. After graduating, he worked 32 years as a millwright for Gilbert Paper and later Mead Paper companies until he retired in 1994.

“Genie” as most friends called him and “Gunky” has he was affectionately known to his kids was loved deeply and considered a good friend. To his family, he was a sensitive man of few words, but he did have a question that he asked every time he seen us: “How’s work?” By nature, he was a provider, a fixer and always a helping hand.  His purpose was to do what was needed. He was known for a physical strength beyond his stature and an intellect to match. Never was a request unmet; be it vehicle or machine repairs, home remodels, or building that treasured toy for the children and grandchildren.  Gene enjoyed a good time out with friends also, be it snowmobiling, an afternoon fishing, or a good Friday night fish fry at the local supper club.

Gene is survived by his children, Debbie (Rick) Narten, Laura (Dan) Hoeper, Doug (Lupe) Eake, Lisa (Mike) Meetz and Terri (Sonia) Eake; nine grandchildren, Alex Quandt, Becky Quandt-Wasurick (sf: Patrick), Ryan (Jenny) Hoeper, Matt Hoeper, Renee (Brad) Berger, Yadira (Bill) Rein, Andrea Eake, Levi Meetz (sf: Bree) and Amos Meetz; thirteen great-grandchildren; three sisters; and many other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents, Eugene was also preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his grandson, Cory Eake; seven siblings and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3703 W Fairview Rd., Neenah.  Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m.

Eugene’s family wishes to thank Dr. Abbi and his Oncology team and the Ascension Hospice team for their care and assistance.

We also wanted to share this devotion of Dad’s last days:

                God does not promise health and wealth and sunshine

                Or pain-free wish fulfillment to the blessed –

                But He does say He will shelter and sustain us,

                So that even in our struggles, we can rest.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.