SOMERS, WI (formerly Racine) – Mr. Gene A. Spolar, 75, passed away at WFH – All Saints on Wednesday, September 3, 2014.

He was born in Berwyn, IL on January 30, 1939, the son of the late Anthony and Mary Lou (nee: Settacase) Spolar.  He was educated in the suburban Chicago school system and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.  While attending Drake, he met the love of his life Carolyn Stuart and they married at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines on September 2, 1961.

Gene and Carolyn owned and operated a number of restaurants over the past 45 years, including a McDonalds franchise in Ohio, the Red Barn in both Racine and Kenosha, and The Farm in Racine.  Through his restaurants he was able to mentor and employ hundreds of teenagers; whom for many, was their very first job.  He was blessed with longtime friendships with so many employees and loyal customers over the years.

Gene had a great passion for sports and competition, but an even greater passion for coaching.  Over the past 40 years, Gene coached (and sponsored) countless youth baseball and football players with RYS, the YMCA and St. Catherine's High School in Racine.  He was a loyal fan of the Arizona Cardinals and for many years, held the title of the longest season ticket holder.

In addition to his loving wife, Carolyn, Gene is survived by his children, Tony (Jeannie) Spolar of Glendale, Tim (Korri) Spolar of Celebration, FL, Tobin (Jenny) Spolar of Racine; his grandchildren, Makenzie, Bennett, Angelo, Jack and Hank; his sister, Marge (John) Curtis of Wood Dale, IL; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Harriet Grandquist, Beverly (Gene) Samuelson both of Iowa, Roger (Beverly) Stuart of Colorado; his godson, Albert Volmut; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, customers and players he coached.

Family and friends are invited to meet with his family for a visitation at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, September 12, 2014 from noon – 3:00 pm.  A service celebrating and honoring his life will follow from 3:00 – 4:00 pm with Fr. Bruce Clanton, SDS officiating.   Memorials have been suggested for a Gene Spolar Baseball Scholarship at St. Catherine's High School, which will be established at a later time.

The Spolars thank all of the caregivers.  The amazing nurses and doctors in the WFH- All Saints ICU, the dieticians, the people in housekeeping and the homecare providers all went above and beyond expectations in regards to the loving and professional care that was extended to Gene and his family.