Eugene E. "Gene" Haseley

Eugene E. Haseley of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin peacefully passed away surrounded by his daughters on October 27, 2023. He was 93 years of age.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Haseley, and his siblings; Warren (Bernice) Haseley, Phyllis (Gerald) Klopp, Leonard “Skip” (Betty Jane) Haseley, Carol (Lawrence “Red”) Entress, Donald (Lillian) Haseley, and his brother-in-law, Paul “Duke” Swatek. Survived by his sister, Nancy Swatek of Lake Geneva, WI, and his daughters; Gail Berman of Buffalo Grove, IL, Holly Haseley of Pewaukee, WI, Liz (Mark Dvorak) Haseley of Madison, WI, and his treasured grandchildren Mark Berman, and great grandchild Blake Berman of Buffalo Grove, IL, Ashley (Josh) McHenry of Austin, TX, and Killian (Chelsea) Gould of Chicago, IL.

Gene was born in Cedarburg, WI on May 20, 1930, son of Agnes Richert and Eugene Haseley. His family settled in Port Washington, WI where Gene graduated from Port Washington High School in 1948. After high school, he served in the United States Army as Sergeant 1st Class, from Aug. 1951 - Jan. 1953. He was honorably discharged with the Korean Service Medal and two Bronze Service Stars.

After returning from service, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann Croatt on February 4, 1956 at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Church, WI. The two settled in Port Washington, to begin their family of three young girls. Gene’s first job was at Schmidt Brothers garage in Thiensville, WI where he solidified his loyalty to Ford cars for the rest of his life. Several years later, he started a career in the lawn and garden business working for Simplicity. He was transferred to Ellicott City, Maryland for a few years before returning back to the Midwest. The family settled in Lake Geneva, WI, one street away from his sister, Nancy Swatek and her family.

Gene valued his family, faith and community throughout his life. He looked forward to yearly family reunions filled with lively conversations and laughter.

His leisure time, as a young man, was spent playing drums in the Drum and Bugle Corps and playing basketball in high school. He shifted those interests to bowling and golf during his married life. Betty and Gene played on Hillmoor County Club’s Couples League, making lifelong friendships. He was also on the Men’s League where he achieved a treasured hole-in-one.

As a young man of the depression era, his family received help when their house burned down. That hardship stuck with him and shaped his desire to give back to his community throughout his life. He was part of the local American Legion, and was very proud to serve in the Lion’s Club for over 50 years. During that time he helped with the Eye Bank and delivered Meals on Wheels for so long, he was often older than many of the recipients of those meals.

Gene worked hard from the early age of 13 through most of his life, though he always said he would retire early. Instead, Gene got his realtor license and worked for another 20 years at Keefe Real Estate, enjoying being one of the top selling sales people just as he was during his many years prior in the lawn and garden business.

He loved living in Lake Geneva for over 60 years and never wanted to leave. It kept him engaged and part of his neighbor’s lives. The same neighbors that watched out for him and helped once Betty passed. We thank all of them, and so many others in the community that lent a hand when most needed. The family is also very grateful for his kind caregiver and the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital Walworth for the compassionate care they provided during his final days.

Gene‘s Lutheran faith was his foundation. He was involved with his church throughout his life and that community was always there for him socially as well as spiritually.

Services for Eugene will be held on Friday November 17th, 2023 at 11:00am at First Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be held from 10:00am till the time of service on November 17th.  Burial, with full military honors, will immediately follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you donate in Eugene's name to:  Lions Club International, American Legion Post 24, or First Lutheran School and Church.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Eugene's family.

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