GL
Gene Laubengayer
January 11, 1951 - March 27, 2007
Obituary
Laubengayer, Gene R. MADISON - Gene R. Laubengayer, age 56, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on Jan. 11, 1951, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Robert and Elvera (Miller) Laubengayer. Gene graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and attended Eastern Michigan University. Over the next 27 years, he dedicated his life to the fire and EMS services, serving the cities of Madison, Monona and Milwaukee. He also served on various local, county and state EMS boards and commissions. After retirement, Gene joined the then Aid for Lutherans, now Thrivent, as a disaster response coordinator and assisted the victims of disasters in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 2001, he joined the American Red Cross, Badger Chapter and also became a member of the National Disaster Response Team (DSHR). Over the next six years, Gene responded to almost 20 national disasters, including 9/11, hurricanes Katrina, Rita and multiple other hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and forest fires. During his life, Gene was a member of several Wisconsin Lutheran and Evangelical Lutheran synod churches. Genes final church was Our Saviours Evangelical Lutheran Church, Madison. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Henshue of McFarland; his granddaughter, Kaelyn Edge, the light of his life; two aunts, Eva Root of Florida, and Ethel Laubengayer of Ann Arbor, Mich.; best friend, Tim Vogel of Big Rapids, Mich.; numerous cousins; and a wealth of great friends across the nation. Gene was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at OUR SAVIOURS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007, with the Rev. Brad Homan presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2007, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Scholarship Endowment Fund created by Gene at Madison Area Technical College, Protective Services Department.
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Memories
LZ
Lauren Zimmerman
Other •
Gene was the teacher, mentor and example to many of us how to live a life. His love, compassion and good works have and will continue to touch others for lifetimes to come.
We worked together on disasters across the country and it was always my pleasure and honour to share the chance to improve the lives of others with him. I remember how he could talk to the clients as we drove around and no matter how difficult the recovery was, it was Gene's gentle way and strong support that helped them realize things would be better.
It was Emerson that summed up Gene's life I think when he said: 'To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.'
In this we can all say that Gene succeeded more then any of us have the right to expect. To your family Gene I send my love, respect and deepest sympathy.
It's Miller time friend, lets get out of here.
KK
Karen Kennedy
Other •
We at the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to send our deepest sympathy to the family of Gene. We had the pleasure of knowing Gene when we experience a flood in our community in September of last year. He exemplied what the American Red Cross stands for. We all learned much from Gene. We will miss you Gene.
RN
Romayne Naylor
Other •
I met Gene at the Susquehanna County PA Floods in June-July 2006. It was my first deployment. Gene took me underwing, passing his knowledge and example along to victims of future disasters through me €€ and, I am sure, many others who had the privilege to work with him on his many deployments.
Gene was a very special man in so many ways. His dedication to helping those in need, to his family and to his community cannot be surpassed. Working with Gene in disaster relief will always be one of my most treasured memories.
I raise a toast to you, Gene, my fellow from the Class of '69! You will be missed.
JS
Julie Schoening
Other •
Gene will be missed greatly by those who had the distinct pleasure of knowing him; and those whose lives he touched through his volunteer work in their time of need.
For Gene's family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I will miss you my friend.