CROSS PLAINS - Eugene A. Kostecki, 93, of Cross Plains, Wis., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 9, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life.

Gene was born on June 5, 1931, to Frank C. and Ella (McVey) Kostecki in La Crosse, Wis. After graduating from La Crosse Central High School in 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Rena Hofslien, Sept. 22, 1951, in La Crosse, Wis. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years from 1951-1954. They lived in Bethesda, Md., for three years before he was shipped out to Korea as a Corpsman for the Navy and Fleet Marine Force with the 1st Marine Battalion, 7th Regiment, Able Co at Hill 492. After returning from the service, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy in 1958.

After graduation, he worked for Rennebohm Drug store at a few locations around Madison. In 1972, Gene opened Cross Plains’ first pharmacy to not only provide a better work-life balance for him and his family but also a more personalized customer experience. He was proud to serve the Cross Plains community as a Registered Pharmacist until 2006. His work did not stop there, however, he continued to do administrative duties at the pharmacy until his early 90s.

Gene served his community as an active member of several organizations. He was a long-time member of Cross Plains Lions, serving as president and treasurer during his tenure. He received the Lions’ Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for exemplary service in 1995. He was also a proud 50-year member of the American Legion Post No. 245, served as president of The Cross Plains Businessman’s Club and was a member of the Cross Plains Area Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the years, Gene and Rena enjoyed traveling to many different countries, and visiting friends they made through UW-Madison's Friends of Foreign Students. Gene was passionate about golf, playing into his late 80s, trying to add to his two holes-in-one. He also bowled for many years on the Zander’s Creamery team. In 2015, Eric joined him on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.; it was an incredible experience that both remembered fondly.

Anyone who knew Gene knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He is survived by his children, Tom (Juanita), Lisa (Mark Luetschwager) and Eric (Julie); his grandchildren, Alex (Kelly), Taylor (Jeff) Hegeman, Brady (Jenna Erickson), Lucas (Kate Sesolak) and Emma; and his great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Braeden and Beckett. He is further survived by a brother-in-law, Tom (Marge) Hofslien; and his extended family, Shuanglin (Xiaoya Ding) Chen and their children, Peggy (Joe) Lombardi, Albert, Eric and Jimmy; and other extended family. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rena; stepbrother, Rich Huebner; and sisters-in-law, Enid Berling and Charlotte Hofslien.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON CROSS PLAINS FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2421 Church St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, with graveside Military Honors to follow. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

We wish to express our thanks to the Center Street neighbors who welcomed us to town in the ‘70s, building strong friendships and helping Dad in recent years. Thank you to the memory care staff at Renaissance Senior Living Hilldale for the excellent care and love they provided dad for the last 17 months. We also wish to thank the Agrace Hospice staff, especially Benjamin D. RN, for their attentive and supportive care.

Memorials may be made to Cross Plains Lions, American Legion Post No. 245, Agrace Hospice or an organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141

Eugene Arnold Kostecki

June 05, 1931 - June 09, 2024

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