Eugene W. Kamps, of Phlox, died peacefully Monday, May 4, 2020. He was 85 years old. He was born on April 17, 1935, in Langlade County, a son of Walter and Christine (Hayek) Kamps. He married Gail Schlais on November 28, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Phlox. She preceded him in death on December 17, 2012.

He attended St. Joseph parochial school in Phlox, Antigo High School, and the Technical School in Antigo. He operated a dairy and crop farm in the town of Norwood. In later years he worked at Hunters Supermarket and Lakeside Grocery and Pharmacy for 18 years.

Gene served the town of Norwood as chairman for 24 years. For 30 years he served on the Langlade County Board, four years as chairman, 14 years as chairman of the highway committee. He also served with the U.W. Extension Agriculture and Land Conservation committee, and the Lumberjack R.C.D. Council Inc. for 30 years.

He was a member and past president of Phlox Winter Knights Snowmobile club and volunteered 20 years as snowmobile and ATV safety instructor.

He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church and served 17 years on St. Joseph parish council and over 40 years as sexton of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, JoAnne (Lee) Parsons, Antigo, Julie (David) Librande, Withee; six grandchildren, Jeffrey (Tammy) Parsons, Antigo, Katherin Parsons, Wisconsin Dells, Hope (Chris) Oswald, White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Karl Parsons and finacee Katlin Bradley, Antigo, Roby Parsons, Antigo, Cody (Kimmie) Parsons, Antigo; three great-grandchildren Carl, Angeline, and Andrew Parsons; a brother, Jerome (Jeanette) Kamps, Antigo; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a brother, Clarence “Sam” (Janet) Kamps; a sister, Audrey (Floyd) Chrudimsky.

A public graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday May 8, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Phlox.

Private family visitation will be held. The private funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Edmundo Siguenza officiating.

Gene’s daughters are grateful for the loving care shown him over the past five and a half months and give special thanks to Jeff and Helen Schultz, Lynne Doucette, Aubrey Fischer, Jamee Doucette, LeRoyer Hospice and Hands with Heart.