Eugene Lanners

VISITATION:

10-11 a.m., Saturday, January 14 at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Saturday, January 14 at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls

Eugene "Gene" Lanners, age 89, of Chippewa Falls, died Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Dove Healthcare/Wissota Health surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 14, 1927 in Chippewa Falls to Beatrice (Sloat) and William Lanners. During high school, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Gene returned to Chippewa Falls and delivered oil for Sinclair/Fagerland Oil. He then worked at the A &P Grocery Store, where he met his future wife, Elizabeth M. "Bette" Cardinal. On April 18, 1948, the couple was united in marriage in Chippewa Falls. They resided in Chippewa Falls where Gene worked as a transport driver at the Northern Center for 32 years until retirement.

Even in retirement, Gene found work helping his good friend, Charlie Perrenoud build houses, including his own. He also delivered car parts for CarQuest. He also enjoyed his hobby of model railroads and turned his entire basement into a railway. He loved to camp, fish and go-kart, but his favorite pastime was spent with his beloved family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following Bette's death in 2015, Gene remained independent and took care of himself and his home until becoming ill in December 2016.

Survivors include his two daughters, Connie (Mike) Murphy of Chippewa Falls, Marcia (Larry) Larson of Hudson; his grandchildren, Coley (Margaret) Murphy of Chippewa Falls, Stacey Murphy of Whitefish Bay, Sarah and Keri Knorn of Hudson; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Sydney Murphy, Jordan Kalbrier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings, Melvin Tupper, Muriel Ness, Gwendolyn Grady, Carol Anderson and Alice McNeil; and his dear wife, Bette on April 17, 2015.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 14 at Zion United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Listowel Ayensu-Mensah officiating. Interment will be in the spring at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene's name may go to the Chippewa Youth Hockey Association or to Irvine Park.