Eugene Ivan Stokke

Eugene Ivan Stokke, 87, of Jefferson, passed away at his home on Jan. 17, 2012, from an extended illness.

He was born in Stoughton on Aug. 3, 1924, to Ivan and Arlean (Beischel) Stokke.

At the age of two, Gene's family moved to Fort Atkinson. Gene attended Fort schools, graduating with the class of 1942 having been a co-captain of the track team and quarterback on the football team his final three years.

After graduation he went to Buffalo, N.Y., and was employed at the Curtis-Wright Airplane Plant.

He entered the United States Army at Fort Sheridan, Ill., on March 18, 1943, and was transferred to Lincoln, Neb., where he was a member of an A.S.T.P. Starr Unit. Gene was transferred from there to Yale University where he became an engineer cadet and then was sent to Germany. While there, he met up with many former classmates from Fort Atkinson.

Gene was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service against the enemy as assistant squad leader, showing outstanding resourcefulness and courage under the most adverse conditions. He also was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries to his leg from shrapnel during the Battle of the Bulge. He and his unit were in three major combat areas in Europe - the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe - where they were awarded Battle Stars.

Later, Gene attended Yale University, moved back to Fort Atkinson and graduated from Milton College in Milton.

He became a member of the Fort Atkinson Police Department and later established his own accounting business, having many area people and businesses as his clients.

As hobbies, Gene enjoyed golf, making his own clubs, hunting, golf, fishing, golf, motorcycle trips with his buddies, polishing agates and golf. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and Lake Ripley Country Club.

On Nov. 5, 2011, Gene was able to participate in one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. which honors veterans of World War II.

Gene married Lucile (Ehrke) Neumann on Jan. 1, 1977, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Jefferson. She predeceased him on Jan. 27, 2005.

He is survived by Lucy's daughter, Joyce (James) Mecikalski of Eagle River, and Lucy's son, Doug Neumann of Madison. Further survivors are Lucy's grandchildren, Julie Mecikalski of Hustler, Joel Mecikalski of Fremont, Jane (Mark) Lyons of Madison, Jeff (Kristi) Mecikalski of Eau Claire and Wendy Neumann (Matt) Meister of Western Springs, Ill. Great-grandchildren are Brent and Ryan Mecikalski, Taylor and Garrett Lyons, and Cole and Nora Mecikalski.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and was the last member of his immediate family.

Per his request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held at a date to be determined.

Any memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice.

The Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Williams, Rainbow Hospice and The Visiting Angels for their kind and compassionate care of Gene in his final days. Special thanks to Mike Newcomb and Doug Neumann for their assistance.
www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

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