Eugene L. Greening

Eugene L. Greening, age 80, of Menasha, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at his home in Menasha. Gene was born on August 28, 1944 in New London, WI, the son of the late Leo and Meta (Strey) Greening. He grew up on a dairy farm of 120 acres with his parents and his sister, Delores. Gene learned how to drive a tractor at age 6, but was bored with going back and forth in the same field. His interest in becoming an over the road truck driver was peaked around age 12 when he watched the semis driving pass the farm, wondering where they were going and not in the same field. Gene was thankful for the time he was able to spend on the farm with his dad, since his father passed away from cancer when he was just 15 years old. After graduating from Weyauwega High School in 1962, Gene enlisted in the US Army. After his eight weeks of training at Fort Leonard Wood, Gene and another soldier were selected as the top two of the class and were assigned to Fort Meyers, VA and given the duty of driving to the Pentagon. Gene enjoyed visiting many sites while in Washington DC, especially the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard. Over the next few years, Gene had orders in Texas taking Top Brass Personnel across the border into Juarez, Mexico. Gene was honorably discharged on September 10, 1965. After his service, Gene began working in the trucking business, starting with a moving company and then working for Kimberly-Clark for over 20 years. After retiring from Kimberly Clark, Gene drove bus for Kobussen, locally and all over the country for over 10 years. On April 8, 1986, Gene married Dorothy Schiller in Las Vegas, NV. Gene said that meeting and marrying Dorothy was the best thing that ever happened to him. Gene will also be remembered as "Mean Gene the Dancing Machine" a Green Bay Packer super fan. Gene was loved and very well known by many. He was a member of the Ultimate Packer Fan Association, a weekly regular at Clubhouse Live Talk Show with all of his fans and followers, a member of Packer Nation and Die Hard Packer Fans. Gene was given the honor of his own Mean Gene Bobblehead and it is displayed in the National Bobblehead Museum in Milwaukee. Gene is painted on the fence outside Lambeau Field and has been known for his dancing and tailgating at Kroll's. Gene also promoted the Packers and had a billboard on Hwy 29 for years. Gene has been a winner of many contests and had articles written about him in USA Today, and recognition from ESPN, NFL Total Access and Packer Leadership. Gene could be seen driving around town or to events that he volunteered to in his infamous customized "Mean Gene" Packer truck. Gene was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Neenah, where he volunteered for many roles. Gene's strength in the Lord and his strong faith carried him through many events in his life. Gene was also very active with his American Legion Post 33 in Neenah/Menasha. He was part of the Honor Guard as well volunteering at the Legion
Brat Frys and other local events. Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his children, Carolyn (Terry Stumpf) Greening Lehrer, and her children Brian and Brandon Brower; Russell Greening; Scott (Sue) Barden, and their children, Nicholas and Emily (Benton) Deanovich; Dotti (Clay) Brundidge and their children, Kaylyn (Brandon) Lofton and Michelle (Scott) Schroth; Jami (John) Carroll, and their children, Jason (Katrina) Masterson, Chantal Masterson, Dakota VanBoxtel, John Miller Carroll, III "Jax" and Bryce Carroll; great-grandchildren, Jazalyn, Jayvion, Jada, Owen, Neveah, Dionte, Blair, Quinn, Marcus, Matthew, Liam, Geneva, Ella, Kimberland, Wells and Tatum; a daughter-in-law, Barb Dodge-Barden; and children, Jeffrey and Kyle Barden; many cousins, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kim Barden and his sister, Delores (Lloyd) Zillmer, a great-granddaughter, Marlo Brower.Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 4:00 pm at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 436 S. Lake St., Neenah. Followed by Military rites by American Legion Post 33 Neenah Menasha. Burial will be in East Bloomfield Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Martin Luther Lutheran Church on Sunday, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Martin Luther Lutheran Church.