Gene L. Washburn

Gene L. Washburn, age 89, of Baraboo, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 at St. Clare Hospice House. Gene, son of Andrew and Esther (Burtch) Washburn was born June 13, 1931 in Delton. Gene attended the Baraboo School District He was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Baraboo. On Sept. 6, 1952 he was united in marriage to Elaine Koepp at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Over the years, Gene worked for many farmers when in school. He also worked for Greganoto, Sauk County Highway Dept. and the Olin Corp. Gene was an avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed bowling, camping and puttering in his garage. He and Elaine loved to dance waltzs and polkas; their favorite song was Somewhere My Love. While working for the Sauk County Highway Dept. he met with John Kennedy to help get the Union in the department. His daughters will fondly remember how he loved to show them how to water ski and swim. Gene looked forward to trips to Colorado for elk hunting and to Port Washington for smelt and trout fishing. He was an active member in the Elks Club, Village of North Freedom Fire Dept., North Freedom Rod and Gun Club, Conservation Club, Union Member Local 1324 as well as St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Baraboo. After retirement he took many bus trips.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Elaine; daughters, Colleen (Herman) Nimmow, Linda (Harvey) Emery and Sandra (John) Anstett; grandchildren, Sherry (Billy) Turner, Kristina (Bruce) Kopf, Nicholas (Nicole) Anstett, Jenelle (Justin Ganser) Emery, Amber (James VanWagner) Emery and Ashley Anstett; nine great-grandchildren, Destiny, Cody, Ashton, Leyla, Bailie, Cayden, Zoey, Reid, Ryker; brother, James (Peggy) Washburn, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Andrew and Duane Washburn and his granddaughter, Andrea Anstett.

Private family services will be held at Redlin Funeral Home with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you Dr. Krszjzaniek, St. Clare Nursing Home and Hospice staff and social workers for the compassionate care shown to Gene and his family.