Eugene Bouzek
February 18, 1952– October 13, 2024
Eugene Lee Bouzek passed away Sunday Oct. 13, 2024.
He was born Feb. 18, 1952, in Prairie du Chien to Frank and Nettie Bouzek.
He attended Prairie grade and high school, graduating in 1970. He then attended UW–Platteville.
During high school and college, he worked at Kaber’s Restaurant, first as a bus boy and later as a bartender. He began working at 3M Company in Prairie du Chien in March 1974 and was there for almost 35 years, retiring in late 2008.
Gene was a wonderful artist, creating two large murals, one at 3M and one in the art room of Prairie Catholic Schools. He also did numerous set designs and artwork for the Red Stocking Revue in Prairie. He was Cub Master of Cub Scouts Pack 320 during the years his boys were young. He loved following all the adventures of his children. In later years, Gene did some maintenance work for Fort Crawford. His love of history also allowed him to portray various characters for The Fort’s annual Cemetery Tour.
Gene married Colleen Sandleback on Aug. 10, 1974, and together they raised three children. They celebrated fifty years together in 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nettie, sister Virginia Dooley and her husband Dan, in-laws: Louis and Colette Sandleback, and two infant brothers.
Gene is survived by his wife, Colleen; sons David (Emily), Jeff (Heidi), daughter Katy and her partner Derek and six grandchildren: Genevieve, Cecilia, Lilly, Kahlan & Dax Bouzek and Truman Longstreth.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 11 a.m.. at St. John’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Fr. Brandon Guenther officiating with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com