Eugene Clifford "Gene" Wackett

It is with great sadness that the family of Eugene Clifford Wackett announce his passing on June 23, 2026.

Gene was born on April 4, 1934, to Clifford and Leona (Galow) Wackett, in Fox Lake, Wis. Gene always enjoyed being the big brother to Don and Larry, and his favorite sister, Kathy.

Gene exhibited his strong work ethic at an early age, working on the family farm.  He held jobs off the farm, while playing baseball, football, hunting and fishing as a teenager.

Around his eighteenth birthday, Gene met the love of his life, Mildred Guptill. Gene and Millie were married just four months later on August 9, 1952. As Gene would say, “No we didn’t have to get married!” They were looking forward to celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary in a few weeks.

Gene joined the U.S. Air Force toward the end of the Korean Conflict. He was stationed throughout the U.S. and Guam, serving as a mechanic on B-36 bombers and later as a military police officer. Millie joined him in Seattle, Wash., where they opened their home to many of Gene’s military buddies. After leaving active duty, Gene continued his service with the Wisconsin Air National Guard for 22 years.  

Gene was truly a Jack of all trades. He and Millie owned and operated a butcher shop in Kingston, where Gene also served as a volunteer firefighter. He continued farming, grew incredible vegetable gardens which he generously shared with many others, and was always willing to lend a hand. Gene’s primary career was as a correctional officer at several Wisconsin prisons, where he earned the respect of fellow officers and residents. In 1972, Gene and his family settled in Oregon, Wis., when he accepted a position at the Oregon Correctional Facility, teaching residents’ farm work and cattle breeding. There he obtained the nickname “The Arm.” Gene also served as a part-time police officer in Oregon.

Above all else, Gene was a devoted family man. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, how to hunt, fish and even how to swear. The grandkids thought it funny to occasionally hear him cuss in anger, yet Gene never got mad at the grandkids. He faithfully attended sporting events, school activities and family gatherings, always happiest when surrounded by those he loved. No grandchild escaped a visit without a hug. If you tried, Gene would grin, and say, “Come here, I’m gonna get a hug anyway.”

Gene was known for his quick wit, playful teasing, and unforgettable stories. His family knew he was often “full of it,” but listening to his stories was half the fun. He reminded the kids to eat their veggies and the crust on their bread, as it would “put hair on your chest.” Though he had a reputation as a tough man, those who knew him, knew he had a gentle heart. He could lighten the mood in any room. Even into his 80s, Gene and Millie lovingly babysat for their great-great-grandson, Riley.

Even during his final hours, Gene’s sense of humor never left him. While in the emergency room, he joked with two nurses that he’d take them on a two-week vacation in Hawaii. When asked what he needed, he responded with his typical “How about a shot and a beer?” Funny, because he didn’t drink alcohol.

Gene is loved and survived by his wife, Millie; his children, Gary (Linda), Jerry, Scott (Jeri), Barb (Andy) Anderson and Steve (Heather).  He is further survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson, James Wackett, Jessica (Dave) Meisner, Jordan (Kyira) Wackett, Dan (Bekka) Blankenhagen, Cliff Essie, Chet Essie, Angela Bellmore and Amy (Bryan) Bellows; 14 great-grandchildren, Samantha, Maria, Ashley, Crista, Noemie, Jamie, Abigail, Eli, Everly, Amelia, Emma, Ava, Jameson and Annalise; one great-great-grandson, Riley; siblings, Don (Joyce) and Kathy (James) Core; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Leona; brother, Larry (Sandy); sister-in-law, Mickey Wackett; grandson, Andrew Anderson; in-laws, Herbert and Alice Guptill; and Millie’s 12 siblings and their spouses.

To know Gene, was to know steadfast love, hard work, generous hands, a mischievous sense of humor, and the comfort of knowing that if you ever needed him, he was there. His legacy lives on not only in the family he cherished, but in the values he quietly instilled, the stories that will continue to grow with each telling, and the memory of a Grandpa who never let the people he loved leave without a hug.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at St. Mary’s Hospital emergency department, who were on duty the evening of June 23, 2026. Dr. Thomas, Mandi and all the others were extremely attentive to Gene’s needs, and to the family after his passing.

Gene will be cremated and his ashes held until the time he and Millie can be laid to rest together. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515