Obit: Prien, Eugene J. (1929 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Prien, Thielke, Kraschnewski, Radtke

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 03 Jun 2010

Prien, Eugene J. (20 JUN 1929 – 29 MAY 2020)

Eugene J. Prien, 91, Colby, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving family at the Colonial Center in Colby, under the tender care of Hope Hospice. A funeral service was held at 1:15 p.m., on Sunday, May 31, at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Riplinger, with military honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Rev. Mark Neumann officiated.

Eugene was born on June 20, 1928, the son of Joseph and Ella (nee Thielke) Prien in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School. Gene married Darlene Molle on April 20, 1949, at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Riplinger. She preceded him in death on Aug. 11, 2019. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service, he worked as an auto mechanic before buying the Gambles Hardware Store in Colby. Gene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, where he sang in the choir. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone, snowmobiling, and working on old cars.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Peggy (Daniel) Kraschnewski of Medford; three grandsons; Ryan (Robin) Kraschnewski of Medford, Lucas (Rebecca) Kraschnewski of Green Bay, and Jeffery (Kimberly) Kraschnewski of Medford; five great-grandchildren: Ryder, Restyn, Rylan, Shaelyn and Daxton; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene; a brother, Milton; and a sister, Arlene Radtke.

The family requests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or Colby VFW Post #2227.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com .