Eugene Michael "Gene" Wilkosz

Gene Wilkosz was a special guy. Born January 25, 1932 to Micheal and Mary (Nosal) Wilkosz in Chicago, Illinios. While serving as a young Airman in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict on his tour in Alaska he had contracted and survived Myesthenia Gravis.. Having had supreme unction several times he opted for an experimental surgery that removed his thymus gland; this worked and gradually over 10 years he got better.
Though he qualified for 100 percent disability he got tired of being home and applied for a job with the State of Illinois. His great intelligence and ability with numbers got him promoted over and over till he was the Audit supervisor for the State of Illinois Northern District Department of Mental Health. It was there he met his future wife Mavis Pas. Their first date was Star Wars and after four years of dating, they decided to tie the knot in 1981.
Gene and Mavis retired to Oregon in 1991 as both had a great love for the forest and the temperate climate was a relief from winters in the Midwest. They loved Oregon and made many good friends there. Gene found a love of computers.
Gene served on many committees for many organizations for many years including the American Legion, the Lions Club, the Hazeldel Fire District and the Oakridge Computer Club.
He loved nature and animals and his favorite thing which he pursued until his late 80's was walking the dogs in the woods. He passed peacefully at home after a year in PeaceHealth Hospice support with his dog on his lap and his wife Mavis near. He opted for cremation and no ceremony and his ashes be mingled with those of his many pets that passed as was his wish.
In lieu of flowers or cards Gene wished that donations be made to his favorite animal rescue organizations which were Wiggly Tails Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue - Donate Now or Donate to Cat Rescue & Adoption Network or an animal rescue of your choice.
He is survived by his wife Mavis; two sisters Martha Wilkosz Kastigar and Joan Wilkosz Dimartio and many nieces and nephews.