DePere, WI – Eugene John Schuh (Gene) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021 with his family by his side due to natural causes at 92 years young. Gene, the fourth of eight children, was born in Five Corners on October 23, 1928 to the late Jacob and Genevieve (nee Van Asten) Schuh. He married the love of his life, Bernette, on August 18, 1956.
Growing up in Freedom, Gene started kindergarten at the age of 4. His parents moved the family to Kimberly where Gene participated in football, track and boxing at Kimberly High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Carson-CO. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, he earned a business degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and accepted a position with an up-and-coming tech company called International Business Machines (IBM).
Gene and Bernette, raised their family in Combined Locks, where he served as a Village Trustee and Cub Scout Leader. As an active member of St Paul Catholic Church he was a religion teacher, lector, usher and oversaw the finances for the annual Dutch Treat.
Gene traveled the country with his family, mostly with a station wagon and camper, and managed to visit all 50 states. His innate sense of direction earned him the handle "Wagon Master" within the caravan of families that traveled together. He was noted for never taking the same route twice and for enjoying the scenic route - whether intended or not.
Gene worked at IBM for 32 years as an Insurance Industry Systems Engineer and was recognized for his expertise receiving several distinguished national honors. After retiring from IBM in 1990 he moved to Little Rapids in a home along the Fox River. There he was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in DePere, where he again served as a lector. During his retirement, he had a deep personal sense of giving back to others and dedicated over 30 years volunteering at Paul's Pantry in Green Bay. At the Pantry he helped to innovate and create a household registration system that facilitates food distribution for families that is still in use. Every year he also enjoyed helping the elderly of Brown County complete their taxes making sure they received the maximum refund they earned. He was active in the Knights of Columbus. He received numerous awards for his volunteerism, culminating in 2019 when he received the Morgan Stanley Heart of Gold Lifetime Achievement Award at the 31st Annual QPS Volunteer Awards banquet in Green Bay.
When not volunteering or traveling he enjoyed golfing (even shooting a hole in one) and playing sheepshead, cribbage, dominoes and other games with his family and friends. He successfully completed Sudoku puzzles every night, even mastering the most difficult 5-star challenges. Gene attributed his physical and mental health to daily exercise, whether at home or the downtown Green Bay YMCA.
Those who knew Gene will always remember his ability to fix anything with parts around his workshop. There was no project or problem he couldn't fix. His passion for woodworking yielded many pieces of high-quality furniture treasured in the homes of his children and grandchildren. From a large gazebo he built in the yard to enjoy cool summer nights along the Fox River to hand-crafted wooden pens turned on his lathe, no project was too big or too small. For many years he also made hundreds of crosses and Angels out of wood for grade school children to decorate.
Gene will always be thought of as a wonderful husband, an amazing father, a caring grandfather and an outstanding role model. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, charity and caring for all. His Catholic faith was always at the core of his life. He treated everyone with an open and loving heart. Gene was always humble and attributed his success to the abundant blessings from God. Every night of his life, until his body was no longer capable, he would get on his knees to pray. Leading by example Dad passed this faith and humbleness to his children.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Bernette Catherine (nee Hintz), and six children: Mark (Kathryn), Appleton; Michael (Jennifer), Winthrop-WA; Todd, Combined Locks; Timothy, Westminster-CO; Michelle, Wauwatosa; and Jay, Greenfield; as well as five grandchildren: Carlye, Nicole, Lauren, Erin and Kelly. Brothers and sisters-in-law Donald and Patricia (nee Welch) Schuh, Roger and Nancy (nee Liebergen) Schuh, sister-in-law Ann (nee Wisner) Schuh and his wife's brother Erwin Hintz along with numerous relatives and friends.
Greeting Gene in heaven are his parents Jacob and Genevieve, his father and mother-in-law Erwin and Erma (nee Walber) Hintz, His brothers Robert (Isabella) and Vernon; his sisters and brothers-in-law Mary (Merlin) Kelpinski, Gladys (Harry) Vanden Boogard, and sister Betty Jane. His wife's sister Patricia (nee Hintz), brother-in-law Irvan Coenen and his sister-in-law Patricia (nee Blick) Hintz.
The Schuh family would like to thank St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay and the Unity Hospice team for the support, kindness and care they provided to Gene and the Schuh family.
Upon his families wishes and due to pandemic protocols, a private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, Gene requested donations be made to Paul's Pantry, 1520 Leo Frigo Dr, Green Bay, WI 54302, or online at www.paulspantry.org. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to leave online condolences and to view the memory pictures. Ryan Funeral Home. De Pere is assisting the family.