Eugene Zdanko Dodd

1931 - 2025

Eugene Zdanko Dodd

February 1, 1931 - June 7, 2025

MOUNT PLEASANT - Eugene Zdanko Dodd, age 94, passed away peacefully with family at his side, on Saturday afternoon, June 7, 2025.

Eugene was born in Racine, Wisconsin, at midnight February 1, 1931, the third child born to Russian immigrants, Antonina and Nickolas Zdanko, who came to the United States through Ellis Island.

After graduation from Park High School, Eugene went to University of Wisconsin – Madison and, while close to his degree, married his high school sweetheart, Laura "Sharon" (nee: Yeo), on August 22, 1953. The couple moved to Madison for Eugene to finish his degree, graduating in 1954 with a B.S. degree with an emphasis in Biology as he loved nature.

In 1957, Eugene "landed" his job at Western Publishing, so they moved back to Racine. He enjoyed his time at Western Publishing; he was part of the Creative Division which produced Golden Books. He was their science editor and was involved in "The Golden Home and High School Encyclopedia" development as well as many little Golden Books. He left Western in the late 1970's and founded his own business, Treetop Publishing, where he produced blank books for kids called Bare Books. This was a tool to emphasize creative writing in children. He often told his daughter that she was his inspiration to starting the business as, one day he came home from Western and found Laura and her friends coloring in blank books. Treetop became extremely successful with numerous employees. As it was time for a much-deserved retirement, he sold the business in 2001.

On May 6, 1958, Eugene and Sharon gave birth to their only child, Laura. She became their only focus. As a proud father, he was always taking pictures. Eugene's heart was broken when Sharon passed away September 15, 2018. He went to live at Primrose in 2022.

Eugene will be missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and David DeGroot; and by nieces, Jenny Boettcher (nee: Flock). In addition to his parents and wife, Eugene was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Dodd; and sister, Marie Flock.

Memorial service celebrating Eugene's life will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. with Henry Perez officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. In memory of Eugene, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation. Please see funeral home website for complete details.

A special note of thanks to the wonderful staffs at Primrose Senior Living and Harmony Cares Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Eugene's time of need. May God bless all of you!

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

4600 COUNTY LINE ROAD

262-552-9000

www.draeger-langendorf.com