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Gene Harry Kreibich

Gene Harry Kreibich, age 81 years, ten months, of River Falls, WI died September 24, 2015 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN after complications from a stroke suffered September 9. He was born on November 19, 1933 in Alma, WI to third generation German immigrants
Harry and Lillian (Thoeny) Kreibich. He graduated from Alma High School in 1951 and then attended Buffalo County Teachers College in Alma. Later Gene earned his undergraduate degree from UW Eau Claire in 1965 and his Master’s Degree from UW River Falls in 1969. He began his teaching career at age 19, and after an 18 month stint in the U.S. Army stationed in Verdun, France, Gene’s teaching career took him to Merillan, Eleva-Strum, Trempealeau (where he was
principal), and finally to Hudson. He retired from teaching in 1991 after 38 years.

On October 11, 1958 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Orene Thompson at Lyster Church in Nelson, WI. They had two sons, Robin–born in 1959–and Terry–born in 1962. The family took in many Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota North Star games even though Gene was a diehard Packer, Brewer, Badger and Bucks fan. Memorable family trips included one to Green Bay for Packer training camp, multiple vacations to the Black Hills of South Dakota,
and camping excursions to Willow State Park. In 1975, with his parents in tow, Gene took his family to Europe where his wife met a longtime German pen pal for the first time. In his later years, he added Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Milwaukee, Madison and Door County to his list of
favorite destinations. He also loved taking bus trips to casinos in Hinckley and Red Wing where he played the penny slot machines. His favorite task in retirement was organizing family reunions. He cherished those annual gatherings.

Gene was always happiest at his home on South Main Street, the family residence since 1969, sitting in the driveway people-watching while listening to Brewer baseball games. Gene was at his best among people, teasing and laughing with friends at community functions. His
greatest source of pride are his five grandchildren who were lavished with attention, gifts and $20 dollar bills over the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillian, niece, April Gibbs and great-nephews, Billy Gibbs and Cole Younker.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of almost 57 years, Elizabeth of River Falls, WI; two sons, Robin Kreibich of New Richmond, WI, Terry (Denise) Kreibich of Woodbury, MN; five grandchildren, Seth, Hannah, Grace, Kathryn, Eleanor; one sister, Marilynn Ramer of Alma, WI; two brothers, Larry (Laurie) Kreibich of Spring Valley, WI, Gale (Sue) Kreibich of La Crosse, WI; two sisters-in-law, Elaine (Lyle) Haigh of Iowa, Kathleen Rieck of Nelson, WI; brother-in-law, Olgar (Lois) Thompson of Ohio; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his beloved 12 year old Dachshund, Mindy Madchen.

Funeral service for Gene will be Monday, September 28 at 10:30 am, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church, River Falls, WI with viewing an hour before services. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 pm Sunday, September 27 at Cashman-Hill Funeral Home. Interment will be in Nelson Cemetery,
Nelson (Buffalo County), WI.

The family would like to thank neurosurgeon Dr. Eric Nussbaum and the United Hospital Neuro Intensive ICU staff, especially nurses Annie, Janna, Lea, Tatjana, Rebecca, Lynette, Janet, Tara, Josiah, Gina, Hannah, Stellah, Carrie, Edwin, Elvis, John and Dave, among others, for their caring and compassionate care of Gene during the final two weeks of his life.

Cashman-Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Service of River Falls, WI is assisting the family.