Gene Charles Wanless

Gene Charles Wanless passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at his home in Lone Rock.

Born July 12, 1938 in Blue River, Wisconsin, Gene was the third of five children born to Gerald and Helen (Blessing) Wanless. Gene grew up on the family farm in Ithaca where he cherished many memories of the country life.

Gene graduated from Ithaca High School in 1956. After high school, he moved to Madison and worked at the UW Hospital (formerly Wisconsin General Hospital).

It was during his employment at the hospital, that Gene met an LPN named Shirley, and they began dating in March of 1960. They were married on September 24, 1960, at Bethel Lutheran church in Madison.

After living on Madison's east side for a short time, they bought a house and began raising their family of three boys. Gene worked several jobs during that time to help provide for the family.

He worked at the hospital, Montgomery Wards, and several other jobs before discovering his main career as a sheet metal fabricator at Dairy Equipment in Madison, where he retired after nearly twenty years of employment.

In 1988, Gene and Shirley sold their home in Madison and moved back to where Gene grew up near Richland Center. They bought some land and, with help from friends, family, and neighbors, were able to rebuild the old homestead that remained.

Over the years, Gene and his three sons enjoyed many memories of hunting, fishing, and taking care of the family property. He planted trees and tended garden with Shirley.

During the final years of his life, Gene was able to share a special bond with his remaining son, Tim. They hunted together, worked on the land, and spent hours discussing what project they were going to work on next.

Many will remember Gene as someone you could always call on to help in a time of need. Whether someone needed a hand, a ride, or some work done, Gene was always there for them.

Gene is survived by his wife Shirley, a son, Tim (Tammy) of Chesterton, Indiana, and two grandchildren, Justin and Savannah.

He is also survived by a sister-in-law Carol Wanless and a brother-in-law, Bob Nobbs, along with several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Helen, two sons, David and Bill, and his four siblings, Bob, Beverly, Sharon, and Larry.

He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Albert and Ada (Ziemendorf) Zuelsdorf, and brothers-in-law, Dwayne (Dugan) Zuelsdorf and Ronald Zuelsdorf.

Gene will be missed by his remaining family and friends, but the memories and joy he shared with others will live on for years to come.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center. Pastor Grace Cho will officiate, with burial in the Brown Church Cemetery in Bear Valley. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:30 AM at Clary Memorial Funeral Home. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com

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