Eugene A. Hess

Eugene (“Gene” or “Jeep”) Hess passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 in Geneva, Illinois. He was 89. Born January 12, 1928 in Racine, Wisconsin, Eugene was the second child of William A. Hess and Daisy L. (Moorman) Hess. He was the beloved husband of 61 years to Helen A. (Streff) Hess prior to her death in 2010.

Eugene was raised in Port Washington, Wisconsin and graduated from Port Washington High School in 1946. While in high school, Eugene participated on the basketball, football and track teams, and set the state record in the high jump, which stood for a number of years. Shortly after he graduated, Eugene enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Camp Lee in Virginia until 1948. He subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1962, with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Eugene joined Wisconsin Electric Power Company in 1949 at the power plant in Port Washington, Wisconsin where his father had also worked. He rose through the ranks and was put in charge of managing the start-up of the company’s Valley Power Plant in Milwaukee in 1967 and ultimately became responsible for managing all of the company’s power plants in Milwaukee, including the related engineering and safety areas. Wisconsin Electric later became Wisconsin Energy. He retired from Wisconsin Energy in 1988.

Eugene was an active member of various Masonic organizations. He served as an officer of the West Allis Lodge #291 for a number of years, and became the Lodge’s Worshipful Master in 1980. He continued to be involved as a Past Master, and also became Worshipful Master of the Day Lite Lodge #358, participated in the Shriners and National Sojourners organizations and earned various awards for his service to Freemasonry.

Eugene also returned to track and field after he retired, participating in the Senior Olympics in the early 1990s. He placed first in multiple events at the state and regional levels and was ranked nationally in the top 5 in the high jump in the 60 and older age category.

Eugene and Helen were married on November 27, 1948, and they lived in New Berlin, Wisconsin for over 40 years. They had three children: Eugen “Eugene” (Jutta) Hess, the late Jill Hess, and Eric (Megan) Hess and 4 grandchildren: Morgan, Emily, Erik, and Jonathan. Eugene had one brother, the late William Hess, Jr. and three sisters, Dorothy Tatum, the late Joyce Verley, and Ruth Hoppe.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, on Saturday, October 21, 2017, 10:30 AM-11:30 AM. Memorial service at 11:30 AM. Private burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saukville, Wisconsin.

Memorials appreciated to Easter Seals Wisconsin.

4201 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716

http://www.donateesw.com