Eugene Michael Fitzgerald
March 23, 1936 - March 29, 2014
Obituary
FITZGERALD, EUGENE MICHAEL
LODI-Eugene Michael “Fitz” Fitzgerald, age 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2014. He was born on March 23, 1936 in rural Dane County near Lodi, Wisconsin to Violet Adeline Hattie (Priem) and Donald Francis Fitzgerald. Eugene attended Lodi Schools and graduated in 1954. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1955 to August 20, 1957 as a guided missile instrument electrician, stationed at Fort Meade, MD, and received a Good Conduct Medal. Eugene married Mary Margaret Currie (a childhood neighbor girl) on June 23, 1957 in Arlington WI and together had two children.
Eugene served the citizens of Wisconsin from 05/01/1959 to 01/04/1991 first as an Institution Aid at Central Colony, Madison, then as an officer at Fox Lake Correctional Institute and finally with the Wisconsin State Patrol as a trooper for 30 years until his retirement. He also served as a Columbia County Board Supervisor.
Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Mary of almost 50 years, in 2007; his daughter-in-law, Marlene Padley Fitzgerald, in 2001; his mother in 2000; his sisters, Helen Molter, in 2006 and Patricia Gabel, in 2013 and his parents-in-law.
He is survived by his beloved children, daughter Michelle and son Brent (Amy) of Lodi; his grandchildren, Cylene (Rory) Padley of Chicago, Cassaundra (fiancé Kris) Mueller and twins Coleman and Cory Fitzgerald all of Lodi; sister, Darlene (Thomas) Schmidt of Neenah; brothers, Duane (Judy) Johnson of Madison, Larry (Barb) Johnson and Doug (Julie) Johnson both of Lodi; brother-in-laws, Carl Molter of Bellville, Harland Currie of Kentucky and Harold (Annette) Currie of Arlington; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Funeral Service will be held at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 206 Pleasant Street, Lodi at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 4, 2014 with Chaplain Dan Pulsfus presiding. Visitation will be held at the HAMRE GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 157 S. Main St., Lodi Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will also be on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at County Line Cemetery, County Line Road, Lodi, WI, with Military Rites.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Hamre Gunderson
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main Street, Lodi
(608)592-3201
Events
Visitation
Thu Apr 3, 2014 @ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Hamre Gunderson Funeral Home • 157 S. Main Street, Lodi, WI null
Visitation
Fri Apr 4, 2014 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
First Lutheran Church(Lodi) • 206 Pleasant St, Lodi, WI 53555
Service
Fri Apr 4, 2014 @ 11:00 AM CDT
First Lutheran Church(Lodi) • 206 Pleasant St, Lodi, WI 53555
Photos
No photos of Eugene have been shared yet.
Memories
KK
Karen Knox
Other •
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend Fitz's services as I am in AZ until mid-May. We worked together during his 30 years with the Patrol, Fitz (as we all called him) on the road and myself in the office. He was a kind and caring man who was always there to share a story or just listen if anyone had a problem. It was obvious to me that he cared about people and would do whatever necessary to help. He made sure to come, along with others who I worked with at the Patrol last May when I lost my husband. Thanks for the wonderful memories my friend, God Bless.
JG
June Gilbertson
Other •
Gene will be missed at Gilbertson's Store in Keyeser, usually he and Dean Johnson would come together, always a smile and "words of wisdom"!!!! Our condolences to the family, he will be missed by many.
DT
Dean and Judy Traut
Other •
We always looked forward to running into Gene in the Arlington area and sharing a conversation. Lots of fond memories. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Dean and Judy Traut
RB
Ralph Brown
Other •
Our Sincere Sympathy to Your whole family. Miss your great smile and story telling. Ralph and Joyce Brown
DS
Dick Steckelberg
Other •
Sorry to learn of Eugene's passing. Eugene and I went to school in Lodi from kindergarten through high school. Played football and other sports. Gene was always good for a laugh. Had hoped to see him at our 60th class reunion. Best. Dick Steckelberg; 2270 Leisure World in Mesa AZ
DC
David Collins
Other •
To the Family of Gene Fitzgerald:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you over your loss. Gene was a perfect example of a trooper who knew how to balance his career with his love and commitment to his family and friends. It was an honor and privilege to have served with him. He taught me a great deal when I was first starting out as a young trooper. I was fortunate to have received the guidance of such a respected veteran trooper and friend. We will miss him greatly.
Sincerely,
David Collins
Retired Superintendent
Wisconsin State Patrol