Joseph "Gene" E. Preston, age 80, of 3105 N CTH S, Whitelaw, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 7, 2016 at his residence. Gene was born on December 5, 1935 in the Town of Franklin, son of the late Jacob and Viola (Peppard) Preston. On September 7, 1957 Gene married the former Kathleen F. Flentje at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manitowoc. In 1952 Gene started work as a butcher/sausage maker for Whitelaw Sausage Company where he worked for 42 years. In 1965 he became a co-owner and he and his partners successfully ran the company until it sold in 1994. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and St. Michael's Holy Name Society. Gene was a 40-year member of the Whitelaw Volunteer Fire Department and was given the honor of being voted Fireman of the Year. Gene enjoyed many years of deer hunting with the Preston family. He also enjoyed the great outdoors on his 40-acre hobby farm. Gene's favorite pastimes include working on his antique tractors, attending antique tractor shows and horse pulling events. Gene's sons, families and his many relatives will truly miss his gracious and frequent visits to check on the wellbeing of all those he cared for. His love and support never went unnoticed and will never be forgotten. Survivors include his wife: Kathleen Preston, Whitelaw; four sons and three daughters-in-law: Todd (Ann) Preston, Valders; Scott (Ellen) Preston, Valders; Keith (Shari) Preston, Appleton; Wade Preston, Whitelaw and his special friend: Penny Haupt; eleven grandchildren and one great grandson: Meghann (Aaron) Vogeli and their son: Bronson Vogeli; Ashley Preston; Lauren Preston; Cole Preston; Steven Preston; Kate Preston; Tony Isherwood; Erin Preston; Emily Preston; Tara Preston; Andrea Preston; one sister: Kathryn Geiger, Brillion; three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: Mary Ann Preston, Manitowoc; Betty (Joel) Schleifer, Minneapolis, MN; Michael (Linda) Flentje, Manitowoc, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. Gene was preceded in death by his parents: Jacob and Viola Preston; one grandson: Andrew Preston; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ralph and Mildred Flentje; one sister and two brothers-in-law: Marion (Robert) Schamburek Sr.; Bernard Geiger; five brothers and four sisters-in-law: George (Jeanette) Preston; John "Jack" Preston; Francis (Leona) Preston; Charles "Earl" (Elmira) Preston; James (Dorothy) Preston. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Knollwood Mausoleum Chapel. The Rev. Richard Klingeisen will officiate with entombment to follow in the Knollwood Mausoleum.

Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Mar 10 2016