Eugene J. Blecha Gene Eugene Blecha of North Fond du Lac formerly of the Port Washington area passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday October 24 2012 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He was 83 years old. Gene was born in the Town of Trenton on April 6 1929 son of Henry Blecha and Hilda Eicksteadt Blecha. He grew up on the family farm in Myra (Newburg). In 1947 he enlisted and served his country in the US Army. On April 19 1952 he married Ruth Schanen at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville. Gene worked as a truck driver for Marchese Trucking in Port Washington and Freeman Chemical in Saukville. Gene was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and most recently worshipped at Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac. He was also a proud member of the Teamsters. Gene enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren gardening reading and listening to polka music. Gene is survived by his wife Ruth of North Fond du Lac six children; Holly (Vincenzo) Blecha DiCarlo of Waukesha Linda (Tom) Roden of Port Washington Mara (Roy) Rosal of Hartland Amy (Alan) Groth of Oconomowoc Jackie (Curtis) Burton of Kansas City MO and Ron (Tara) Blecha of Bay View. He is further survived by 15 grandchildren; Nina Sarah Aaron Lizzy Jenny Julia Matt Megan Ari Chloe Christopher Jake James Kyle and Kosta three great-grandchildren; Christian Emily and Parker nieces nephews other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents one granddaughter Rachel and his brother Richard Blecha and his sister Violet Jeray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 10th at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville with Father Tom Lijewski officiating. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Holy Trinity Parish Cemetery in Newburg. Visitation will take place on Saturday November 10th at the CHURCH from 9-11 AM. In lieu of flowers memorials suggested to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission 830 N. 19th St. Milwaukee WI 53233. The Eernisse Funeral Home Port Washington is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com