Service Details
A celebration of life and burial with his family will be held at a later date.
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.
Joan Deleon says
Uncle Gene the memories are too numerous to count. I basically grew up with Cheryl sleeping over many times only to be awakened by his voice or loud dialing of the landline phone..lol. He helped me as a teen fixing my car, always lent a hand moving. With his thunderous voice and stern demeanor laid a teddy bear underneath. Many who knew him, “The Hammer”, nickname fit him perfectly. He always called me Joanie, uncle Gene you will be missed.
Audrey Stephens says
To Cheryl Meekma and family. I just want to give you and your family my condolences. You will be in my prayers.
Rhea Breidel says
We will miss Gene, very much. We had some good times.
Tom breidel says
My bro is pain free and in heaven !
Will miss him!
Tracy Cronk says
To Aunt Mary my heart goes to you and Cheryl. I always love going to see Uncle Gene running around with that unit cigar. He was always happy to see Rodney and I.
Wendy Ritacco says
My condolences to the Breidel family at this difficult time. Gene was a spitfire, and I loved him dearly. May you find comfort in each other, and in memories of this spirited man. RIP