"Dear Stachowitz Family, I was sadened to read of Gene's passing. When I was little, I remember going with my dad, Hap, to visit with Gene and talk cars! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Virginia Scharmota-Hansen"
In loving memory of
Eugene "Gene" Stachowitz
April 21, 1932 - January 5, 2020
Eugene "Gene" B. Stachowitz, 87 of Winona, died Sunday, January 5, 2020 at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.
His parents, Ben and Alvina (Mueller) Stachowitz raised him in Bear Creek outside Rollingstone where he attended a one room schoolhouse. On June 27, 1959, he married Eunice Mae Folsom in Altura. They had four children together. Gene worked as a heavy equipment operator, retiring from Mathy Construction. After retiring, he enjoyed working at the car wash by his home. He belonged to St. Mary's Catholic Church for many years where he was active in his younger years.
One of his greatest joys in life was working on cars and he owned countless of them over the years. There wasn't a car he couldn't talk about. Gene usually asked people, "what are you driving now?" When his grandsons started driving, grandpa was eager to help them find a vehicle and parts to fix them up and keep them running. He enjoyed getting together at his family's annual 4th of July picnics, playing cards and trying his luck at a few pull tabs and scratch-off tickets.
Gene is survived by two children, Curt (Traci) Stachowitz of Goodview, MN and Jane (Paul) Brandt of Beaver Dam, WI; daughter-in-law, Linda Stachowitz of Byron, MN; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Anna) Stachowitz, Ross (Crystal) Stachowitz, David Babcock, Michael and Shelby Stachowitz, Derek Brandt and Kimberly (Brendon) Bostwick; three great-grandsons, Koby, Noah, Axel and a great-granddaughter, Olivia and many cousins.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eunice of 53 years, infant daughter, Lori Ann and son, Keith Stachowitz.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2020 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview with the Reverend Michael Cronin officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday and one hour before the service on Friday. Entombment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Tributes
"I think this could be a relative, my grandma was Elizabeth Stachowotz, and I remember Ben and Alvina coming to visit her in Elba. Sorry for your loss Jack Graves "
"Our deepest sympathy for your loss, Debbie and Rick "
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our sympathy. Tom & Beth Ede"
"Curt & Tracy, Sorry to read of Gene's passing. Hold close the good memories, which I'm sure he made with you & others. He was always willing to chat when I saw him. Hugs, Chris Antoff"
"Curt, So sorry to read that your dad had passed I am in Texas so won't be able to come to the funeral My GOD bless the family Betty Dennis "
"Gene and I had some fun conversations and he always kept me entertained with his next project. He became family to me. He will be missed. My condolences to all the family."
"I just saw Gene's obit and a ton of memories came flooding back. I can't describe how important Gene was in my teenage years. He had a great way of dealing with smart-alek teenagers, all the time being your friend. I lost track of how many times he helped me with my cars when I didn't have money or a lot of knowledge and he rarely would take anything in return. He pulled me to the side for a "talk" from time when I or Curt would step out of line and always did it like he was my own dad. I did a lot of growing up in that 2 stall garage and will always be grateful. Rest in peace, sir. Tim Fierke"
"So sorry to see this. Gene was one of my favorite clients and eventually became friends. Rest in Peace Dear Gene. "
"We are so sorry to hear about Gene. He was such a nice man who always had a joke or two to tell and always made you laugh. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Mona & Hayley Scott "