Eugene Ehlinger

Eugene "Gene" Ray Ehlinger, born on March 14, 1944, in Richmond, California to parents Ormen "Porky" & Salina "Sally" (Severson) Ehlinger, has passed away at the age of 80.

Gene grew up as the youngest of three children, attending elementary/middle school in Vinton, Iowa. He graduated from Altoona High School with the class of 1962.

On January 26, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Stewart, at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI. They were blessed with two daughters. Gene was employed as a plumber until he retired in 1994. In that same year, Gene and Darlene purchased Northland Resort in Chetek, WI which they operated for about a decade. Gene especially cherished the many memories made with family and friends.

Gene enjoyed fishing off the dock in Chetek, his daily cribbage matches with Darlene and having fish fries for his family and friends.

He was outgoing and always good natured. Gene will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Darlene, their two daughters Sheri (Robert) Maki, Michelle (Steve) Kent, six grandchildren James (Lindsay) Maki, Justin Maki, Cassandra (Joshua Armstrong) Maki, Jonathon Maki, Nathan (Mariena) Kent and Heather (Hogan Kernstock) Kent, six great grandchildren Tony, Jaxon, Leanna, Revlin, Quillin and Crosby. One sister Donna Gutsch, one brother Jerry and one brother-in-law Bob (Diane) Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Gordy Gutsch, sister-in-law Pat Ehlinger and sister-in-law Donna (Wayne) Severson.

Gene and his family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Mayo Clinic-Eau Claire for their special, loving care during his brief illness.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Private burial will take place at Rest Haven Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.