Eugene "Gene" Damm

1939 - 2025

Eugene "Gene" Damm

March 27, 1939 - January 19, 2025

Eugene "Gene" Damm, age 85, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Meriter Hospital, Madison, WI. Gene was born on March 27, 1939 to Reuben and Olive (Derr) Damm in Columbus, WI. Gene was married to the love of his life Phyllis Kasuboske on September 5, 1959 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Columbus. Together, they shared 65 blessed years of marriage.

Gene devoted his life to agriculture, faith, and service. He built a successful career as a dairy and crop farmer on his family's farm in the Town of Columbus. His passion for farming began in childhood through the Columbus FFA Chapter and South Columbus Willing Workers 4-H Club, where he earned local and national recognition. A graduate of Columbus High School, he enhanced his skills at the UW-Madison Farm Short Course. Under his leadership, the farm grew significantly, including the family's apple orchard and earning the Centennial Farm Recognition for 100 years of family operation. He earned the American Farmer Degree, FFA's highest honor, awarded for leadership and agricultural excellence. He helped found the Columbus FFA Alumni Chapter to support future generations.

For over 50 years, Gene mentored youth as a 4-H woodworking leader, instilling skills and values in countless participants, including his grandchildren, and finding joy in their successes. A dedicated servant to his community and church, Gene served as Town Chairman for the Town of Columbus for 40 years, leading initiatives like the 2005 construction of the Columbus Town Hall. A lifelong member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, he donated wood for the church altar, which he helped build with Father Holzer, embodying his deep faith and commitment to his parish and school. As a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Gene exemplified charity, unity, and patriotism through his service and ceremonial roles.

Gene's kindness, patience, ever-present smile, and signature wink defined him. His legacy of love, humility, faith, and charm will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Columbus; children, Jolene O'Brion (Joe Sharkus), Maureen Jewett (John Howard), Steven (Linda) Damm, Jaclyn (Rodney) Stauffacher, and Ryan Damm; nine surviving grandchildren and their spouses, along with the spouse of his late grandson; three great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Dr. Robert) Jorgensen; brother-in-law, James Dieringer; in-laws, Leon (Janet) Kasuboske; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; infant, brother, Joseph; brother, Michael; sister, Mary Dieringer; sister-in-law, Claire (Grebe) Damm; stepmother, Helen (Seidlinger) Damm; grandson, Jacob Damm; mother-in-law, Ada Kasuboske; brother-in-law, Donald Kasuboske.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Columbus. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, East Bristol, WI.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Gene's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com