He was born on Nov 11, 1922, in Milwaukee to John and Bertha (Messerschmidt) Wagie. His parents passed away when he was a young boy; he then spent the majority of his youth living in the Milwaukee Lutheran Home and various foster homes.
Eugene moved to Whitewater at age 15 where he lived with his foster parents, George and Elsie Luedtke, working on their farm with three of his brothers. He attended Whitewater High School, graduating in 1941. There he met his future wife, Kay Ebert, at the Armory roller skating rink.
Eugene joined the US Army, where he served from March 1946 to September 1947. While serving at White Sands Proving Grounds, NM, he married Kay Ebert on June 19, 1946.
After the Army, Eugene and Kay returned to Coloma, WI to work in her parents’ restaurant. They then returned to Whitewater, where Eugene worked a variety of jobs, including 32 years with Hawthorn Melody Dairy. After retiring from the dairy, he worked 18 years part-time at the Whitewater Country Club. Eugene was an avid golfer and a member of the country club for over 40 years. He was especially proud of the hole-in-one he scored at age 79! He also enjoyed bowling and cards.
Eugene was very active in the Whitewater community, serving as an usher and treasurer at St John’s Lutheran Church; President of the Lion’s Club; Honor Guard at the American Legion; voting poll volunteer; and tremendous blood donor – giving over 13 gallons in his lifetime!
Eugene was preceded in death by Kay, his wife of 56 years, and his 7 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his 5 children (and spouses): Carol, Dave (Sue), Dennis (Ann), Terry (Maryellen), and Sandy (Ron); 8 grandchildren and their partners/spouses; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St, Whitewater, on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 3 pm to 6 pm, followed by a memorial service. Eugene will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Kay the next day in a private family burial.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunset Ridge Jefferson and Rainbow Hospice for their loving care, professional expertise, and gentle compassion during Eugene’s last months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Eugene’s honor to Rainbow Hospice, 147 W. Rockwell, Jefferson WI 53549.
