Eugene "Gene" Lawrence Reak, age 68, of Omro, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, September 9, 2004 at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. He was born June 6, 1936 in Columbus, WI the son of John Earl and Mary Ann (McCormick) Reak. He married Dorothy on August 20, 1994 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Omro. Gene was a dairy farmer who enjoyed life, was fun loving and never considered anyone a stranger. Friends and family will also remember his fondness for chocolate, cashews, martinis and socializing. Whenever anyone needed help, Gene was always there for them.

Gene will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife: Dorothy, Children: Debra (Kevin) Smith, David (Julie) Reak, Diane (Joe) Zuhlke, Dawn (David) Behling all of Beaver Dam and Dennis Reak of Davenport, Iowa, step-children; Trisha (Dan) Kastein, Terri (Randy) Hupf, and Scott (Deb) Southard all of Waupun, Sisters; Rita (Doug) Klimek of Green Bay & Mary Beth (Bill) Wheeler of Madison, Grandchildren; Carter, Connor, Colin, Ashley, Justin, Olivia, Paige, Erik, Karlea, Jenny, Danny, Corey, Aaron, Dalton, Bryce, Keaton, & Brianna, Great grandchild; Kayden other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two step-sons; Ted and Tom Southard.

Visitation will be held on Monday September 13, 2004 at the Omro Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Omro with Rev. Joseph Mattern officiating. Family burial will be on Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at Highland Memory Gardens in Beaver Dam. A memorial is being established.

Gene's Motto: "I gotta live today, I might not be here tomorrow"