Gene Weiher, 82, of Onalaska, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2022, from a long battle with cancer. Gene was born Nov. 29, 1939, to Irvin Weiher and Ruth Weiher (Serl) in Onalaska. He grew up on a farm with his parents, sister and five brothers.
Gene graduated from Onalaska High School in 1959. He was passionate about basketball and helped take his team to the state playoffs in 1959.
Gene was blessed with a large and loving family. In 1961, he wed his beloved wife of 61 years, Roberta Sinclair. They have resided in their home in Onalaska for 61 years, where they raised their daughter Renae and son Butch. Gene was always there for his family. He showed up to all of his kids’ sporting events and taught them how to work hard and appreciate what they had.
Gene worked 33 years at the Onalaska School District in the janitorial and maintenance department. He was well-respected throughout the community for his integrity and willingness to help people. He knew the school buildings inside and out. Even after he retired, the school district would call him for assistance.
He was also a school bus driver for 10 years. Gene is known by many generations of families in the community as being strict, but always fair. He could quiet a bus full of noisy kids with just a stern look on his face.
Gene was a jack of all trades, from woodworking and mechanics to home improvement projects. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with others. His family and friends will miss getting his advice.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, desire to provide for his family, humor and infectious smile. Some of his greatest joys were spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, visiting the beach, building things and eating home-cooked meals.
Gene was predeceased by parents, Irvin and Ruth, and his brothers Rolland (wife Ramona) and Clifford (wife Shirley). He is survived by his wife Roberta; daughter Renae (husband Terry) Justice; son Butch (wife Gwende); granddaughters Rachelle Weiher, Alissa (husband Rob) McGuire and Shannon (husband Justin) Reisenauer; grandson Austin; great-granddaughters McKenzie and Kaitlyn Reisenauer; sister Hazel (husband Ron) Ference; brothers Lester (wife Carol/ predeceased), Irvin (wife Christine) and Larry (wife Jean) Weiher, as well as many nieces and nephews and loving extended family members.
Gene will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. June 25 at Alpha Cemetery in Onalaska, Washington.
The family sincerely appreciates all of the support, love and prayers during this time of grief.
To view the obituary, please go to chronline.com/obituaries.
