LAHR, Eugene J., age 86

Died: Friday, February 3rd, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at St. Olaf Catholic Church with Father Paul Hoffman officiating

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and also one hour prior to Mass at church

Interment: St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be given at a later date in memory of Gene

Eugene "Gene" J. Lahr, age 86, of Eau Claire, WI died February 3, 2017.

Gene was born February 4, 1930 in Chippewa Falls, WI, the son of Eugene D. and Hilda (Etten) Lahr, and grew up in Boyd and Stanley, WI.

He married Arlene "Tena" Aumann on May 14, 1952 at St. Mary's Church in Stanley, WI. He attended St. Joseph's and St. Anne's Catholic grade schools and then graduated from Stanley High School in 1947. Upon graduation he worked for Stanley Bottling Works for five years. They moved to Eau Claire in 1954 while he was employed at Walter Brewing Company.

Gene was then employed by the Wisconsin National Guard in 1958 until retirement in 1990. Gene first enlisted in 1947 as an original member of Co. G 426th Infantry. Gene attained the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major. He was involved in the call up of his unit with the 32nd Infantry Division during the Berlin Crisis and was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He was very involved when the 32nd Brigade deployed for Operation Reforger in 1986 to Germany. He also served in a number of active duty call ups including the strikes at the Waupun prison. Before retiring, he was awarded numerous Meritorious Service Medals and honors. Gene was again called up to active duty in 1990 during the Gulf War as he opened and staffed the Family Assistance Center for all services, both active and reserve.

He loved taking the family camping to many different campgrounds, but his favorite was Coon Forks in Augusta, WI. Gene loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter for all types of wild game. He taught hunter safety for several years to over 500 kids. Gene loved spending time around the campfire and on his back patio with family and friends, usually with a Brandy Manhattan in hand. Gene was a master of chicken on the "Flip Flop" Grill.

Gene was very active in Boy Scouts and the St. Olaf's Men's Club. He was a member of 4th Degree in Knights of Columbus and Catholic Knights Branch 160. He also was a lifetime member of The Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 77, where he held different positions including President. He was a life member of The National Guard Enlisted Association and a life member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Tena; five sons, Randall (Pam) of Fall Creek, WI, Thomas (Michael Radoff) of Tulsa, OK, Stephen (Carrie) of Eau Claire, Robert (Kashika) of Opelika, AL, and Brent (Jeana) of Chippewa Falls; eight grandchildren, James, Alex, Taylor, Kassondra, Heather, Emily, Andrew, and Camryn; and one great grandchild, Charlotte; many other family members and friends.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, sister, LaVonne Kelly; son, Michael; and grandson, Philip.