Obit: McGuire, Gene Elizabeth (1917 - 1999)

 
Contact: Ken
Email: ken@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: McGuire, Hatteberg, Connor, Sukanen, Peterson, Gilson, Bethke, Taylor

----Source: Ashland Daily Press (Ashland, Ashland Co., Wis.) Tues., January 19, 1999

McGuire, Gene Elizabeth (9 Nov. 1917 - 16 Jan. 1999)

SHAWANO -- Gene Elizabeth McGuire, 81, died Sat. Jan. 16, 1999, at Maple Lane in Shawano.

She was born Nov. 9, 1917, in Marshfield, the daughter of Joyce (Hatteberg) and Rueben Connor.

Mrs. McGuire taught French in the Shawano School District from 1957 until her retirement in 1983. Prior to that, she and her husband, James, a teacher and football coach, resided in Ashland. After his death on Dec. 26, 1956, she and their four children moved to Shawano. Gene herself was a lifelong learner, and dedicated her life to teaching and challenging students. She especially enjoyed being the tour guide for trips to Europe, where she introduced many of her students, as well as her grandchildren, to France, Switzerland and Italy. She was a member of the educator's sorority Delta Kappa Gamma, AIFS, FLTA, NEA, WEA, SCARTA, Eastern Star, and the Presybterian Church. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

She was an avid reader, art collector, bridge player, gardener, gourmet cook, could "shoot" the Red River Rapids, and "schuss" down the ski slopes. She also raised golden retrievers, and always had a golden at her side. Gene had a terrific sense of humor which helped her face both the disappointments and crises, as well as kept the achievements in perspective. She never gave up and when things would really be stressful, she'd say that it was time to go out and "buy a new hat" - and if one was good, then two would be better! Gene tried to teach everyone how to have fun, and enjoy life. She led by example with her "joie de vie!"

She is survived by a son, Thomas R. (Pat) McGuire, San Jose, Calif.; daughters, Rebecca J. (Clyde) Sukanen, Monroe, and Sara Beth Peterson, Santa Clara, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Thadd, CJ, Elizabeth, Bridget, Amy, Jessica, James John; and two great-grandsons, Art Jr. and James Dean; her sisters, Betty Gilson, Joyce (Bill) Bethke, Madison, and Mary (Gene) Taylor, Rockford, Ill., and Sara Connor, Waukesha; and sister-in-law, Ruth Connor, Akron, Ohio.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Dr. James McGuire Jr., and two brothers, Craig and Roger.

Visitation will, be from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thur. at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. The Eastern Star Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Fri. at the Shawano Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Jacob T. Preuss officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.