Eugene Fred Dannecker

Eugene Fred Dannecker, 90, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024. Eugene was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 28, 1933, to Lawrence and Hildegard Dannecker.

Gene served in the Navy from 1953 until 1955 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. While in college, he met and married the love of his life, Sylvia, with whom he raised their 7 children. In 1960 he accepted a position with Wisconsin Michigan Power Company, and the family moved to Appleton. In 1994 Gene retired from Wisconsin Electric Power Company.

While in Appleton, Sylvia and Gene were active members of St. Mary Catholic Church. He was on the school counsel, Parish counsel, and the planning committee for the Parish Center. He was a good sport about donning a costume for the Live Nativity, too. He devoutly prayed the rosary, always supporting his family in prayer.

Eugene worked during the day, attended night school, and spent many evenings fixing things his children had broken during the day.    He was an excellent bowler well into his eighties, and golfed as well. 

Gene would say that his favorite times were those with as many of his children as possible gathered and enjoying time together.  He treasured time spent with his grandchildren both near and far.

In 2022, Gene and Sylvia moved to the Milwaukee area, a more centralized location for family. While in Milwaukee Gene loved gathering for family meals, problem solving everything, playing Cribbage and Uno, and Packers watch-parties.

 Eugene is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sylvia, just 3 months ago. He is also preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Rita, Claude (Bro. Lawrence Peter), Leo, Teresa, and Loretta, and his foster daughter, Micheline. He is survived by his children: Gregory (Janel), Steven (Terasa), Joseph (Mary), Peter (Cheryl), Barbra (Jeffrey), Marc (Debe), and Thomas. Gene is also survived by his grandchildren: Angeline (fiancé Leo), Alexander, Zachary, Erin, John, Katherine (Sam), Caroline, Elizabeth, Anna, Jeffrey (Rachel), Nicholas, Matt (Jessie), and Nick (Shaina). Gene is also blessed by great grandchildren: Jackson, Ellie, Anna and Sage.

A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church (312 S. State St., Appleton, WI 54911), with the Very Reverend Enrique Hernandez officiating.  Visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service.

To honor Gene, please consider a donation of blood or a donation to the Retired Fund for Religious, P.O. Box 96988, Washington, D.C. 20090-6988