Obituary: Gene A. Loose

Gene A. Loose, age 84, of Potter, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Gene was born on September 24, 1937 in the town of Eden, son of the late Aaron “Cap” & Verona (Wesener) Loose. He was a graduate of Hilbert High School, class of 1955, where he met the love of his life, Helen Holzschuh. The high school sweethearts were married on October 12, 1957 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood.

Gene was brought up and raised in the tavern business as his Mom and Dad ran a bar in Hilbert from 1945 until 1958. It was his job to fill coolers and help his Mom cook for banquets and weddings. In 1958, his Mom and Dad bought the bar in Potter. When Gene and Helen moved to Potter, Gene kept his job at Tecumseh in New Holstein and also helped his parents’ in the evenings. Gene’s parents always belonged to the Calumet Co. Tavern League. They never missed a Spring or Fall convention and attended many National Conventions with Gene and Helen working for them when they were away. When Gene’s Dad passed away in 1967, Gene and Helen bought the bar, quit his job at Tecumseh, and he and Helen have owned Gene and Helen’s for 55 years. Gene and Helen never missed a Spring or Fall convention with the help of their family. Gene and Helen were proud to be able to attend a total of 103 conventions and Gene attended his last convention a week prior to his passing. Gene has been the Secretary and Treasurer of the Calumet Co. Tavern League from 1968 until present. He has also been on the State TLW board and Director of the Eastern Zone Vice President in the 4th and 6th districts to this day.

Gene helped start many things in the community he loved. Gene started the Spring Banquet for the Tavern League, the Raffle and Summer Picnic for the New Hope Center, the Potter Community Association, the Potter Athletic Association in 1972 serving as secretary and treasurer until 1990 and running tournaments. He helped form the Potoul Sportsman Club in 1968 and was the president until 2018. He was also the last surviving member of the Potter Clowns.

Gene was on the town of Rantoul board for 10 years until Potter was incorporated. He then was the Constable for the Village for 6 years until he became a Trustee for 12 more years.

Gene was committed to serving others. This was demonstrated with his 12 years in the Navy Reserves serving our country and as firefighter with the Potter Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years. He was 2nd Assistant Chief for 5 years, and the last 20 years, Assistant Chief. At one time, Gene was proud to serve with both of his sons on the department. Gene admitted that the toughest decision he had to make was to retire, because his heart was still in it, but his body couldn’t keep up with younger fellas. His comment was that he enjoyed his years at the department and the greatest reward for him was knowing he was able to serve the needs of his community.

Gene had a lot of love and life to give. One year he played Santa so he could fly in the helicopter. He loved his family and enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play ball, missing very few games. When he wasn’t watching his family, he was watching a Brewer game. And he always looked forward to his Monday casino trips with Helen.

Gene is survived by his wife, Helen of 64 years; their children: Debra “Debbie” and Jr. Doughty, Mike (Penny), Margie (Darrell) Mathiebe, the late Doug and Wendy (Chuck) Schiger; grandchildren: Vanessa (Matt) Reinke, Nick (Jordan), Nathan, Amanda (Ryan) Eickert, Adam Mathiebe, Crysta (Jon) Ladwig, Ryan, Brittany (Mike) Wilson, Jason Riebe, and Anne Riebe; great-grandchildren: Josh, Warner, Mitchell, Jonathon, Kaylee, Cole, Carter, Owen, Devin, Vivian, Sylvia, Chase, Maezey, Zach, Lexi, and Eddie; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Betty & Chuck Gehl, Paul & Nancy Holzschuh, and Carl & Linda Holzschuh; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Doug; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ivo & Rose (Gosz) Holzschuh; brother and sister-in-law: Elroy & Bernette, and sister and brother-in-law: Tootie & Wally Krueger.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Father Tom Pomeroy and Deacon Greg Van Thiel. Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. Burial will be in Potter Community Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Monday, April 18 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A Prayer Service will conclude officiated by Deacon Greg.

The visitation will continue Tuesday morning at church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Online condolences may be made. Memorials are appreciated.

Gene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the caregivers, especially Melissa, Cindy, and Sandy, for their compassion and care for Gene through the years.