Gene W. Ellner

Gene W. Ellner of Plymouth, formerly of Belgium, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 84.

He was born the beloved son of Fredrick and Dorothy (nee Boehler) Ellner in Milwaukee on Aug. 11, 1940.

Gene was united in marriage to Karen Ostron at West Granville Presbyterian Church on Nov. 24, 1962, and together they raised three loving children.

Gene proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as an engineman 3rd class on the USS Tunny submarine from 1959 to 1961.

He retired from Pioneer Container (International Papers) after 29 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he worked as a custodian at Cedar Grove-Belgium Elementary School.

Gene was a longtime member of Melvin Wester American Legion Memorial Post 412 in Belgium.

Gene was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed Canadian fishing trips with his sons. Family casino trips were always a favorite for Gene. Above all, Gene’s family was most important to him.

Gene’s memory will be cherished by his children Kevin (Patti Jo) Ellner, Lorie (Carl) Buser and Tom (Julie Nigh) Ellner; grandchildren Keith (Katie) Rasmussen, Cassie (Kyle Konetzke) Ellner, Chris Ellner, Tim (Amber Smith) Buser, Amanda (Craig) Ruehr, Katelynn (Marcus Ertman) Buser, Justin (Rae) Nigh and Jeris (Wim Van Der Graaf) Nigh; great-grandchildren Mya, E’Nyjiah, Colton, Jaxson, Audrey, Landon, Ethan, Madelynn, Aaliyah, Wesley, Maverick, Luna, Mayson and baby Joseph on the way; sisters-in-law Eleanor Ellner and Evelyn Ostron; and brother-in-law Jim (Kathy) Ostron.  He is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen, brother Lawrence Ellner, grandson Daniel Rasmussen, great-grandson Oliver Daniel Rassmussen and brothers-in-law Bill and Rick Ostron.

A funeral service will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium, WI 53004. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 3 to 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear Packers or casual attire in honor of Gene.

He will be laid to rest on Friday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. next to his wife at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield, Wis.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Belgium is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.