Eugene "Gene" Breidel, 86, of Racine, entered eternal life on January 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in La Crosse, WI on August 15, 1938, to Frank and Viola Breidel. Gene married Mary Cronk on August 1, 1959, and they moved to Racine, Wisconsin to raise their family. Gene was an excellent hunter and fisherman. He loved the great outdoors. He was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Gene retired from American Motors-Chrysler. During his time there, he was a union steward and was often referred to as "The Hammer," fighting for the rights of his colleagues. Gene was very proud of his family, especially his great-grandchildren. He was a family man and always put his family first. He loved his family deeply and did everything to protect and provide. He was a hard worker and will be missed very dearly. He was one of a kind. Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, the love of his life, Mary. Daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Meekma, granddaughter Valerie (Rich) Galvan, Grandson David (Kara) Meekma, 8 Great-grandchildren Sergio, Antonio, Eliseo, Lanai, Nico, Eden, Rocco and Kai. He is further survived by his siblings, Donny (Rhea) Breidel, Tommy (Paula) Breidel, Mary "Peewee" (Rick) Meyer, Kathy Weber & Rita Hesselberg. Gene is proceeded in death by his son, Michael Breidel, his parents, Frank & Viola Breidel and siblings Dolora Labus, Francis Breidel & Alvina (Ike) Clemmens. Gene embraced salvation and is now in God's loving arms and reunited with his son. He will be missed by family, friends & neighbors too numerous to mention. A celebration of life and burial with his family will be held at a later date.