Eugene A. Kakes, 88

Eugene A. Kakes, 88, of the Town of Neva, died peacefully on March 14, 2016 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center.

Gene was born on April 3, 1927, one of nine children to Joseph and Mary (Stasek) Kakes.

He attended Springbrook Grade School and graduated in 1944 from Antigo High School.

He met Lois Neururer of Milwaukee while serving in the US Army stationed at Fort Sheridan, IL. They were married on November 2, 1949 in Valparaiso, IN.

After moving back to the Neva area he and Lois worked on the family dairy farm with Gene’s father. After his father died in 1956. He and Lois purchased the farm and converted it to Kakes Seed Farms, raising foundation and certified seed potatoes. During the off season, Gene worked at Caterpillar in Milwaukee. Together they celebrated becoming a century farm in 1982. Eugene was one of the original organizers of Antigo Potato Growers Association.

In 1987 their two sons purchased the farm where Eugene continued to work well into his 80’s.

Gene enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, camping and hunting.

Eugene was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as an usher and Elder and member of the Men’s Club and the finance committee.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, 2 daughters, Debra (Franklin) Stainbrook of Antigo, Darcy (David) Blakemore of Ogden, UT, a son Daniel (Vicki) Kakes of Neva, a daughter-in-law Jeanne Kakes of Neva, 5 grandchildren, Matthew Kakes, Megan (Justin) Michels, Aaron Kakes, Kaitlin Kakes and Joseph Blakemore, 2 great grandchildren, Dane and Emma Michels, and a brother Robert (Ethel) Kakes of Antigo.

He was preceded in death by a son David Kakes, his parents, 6 sisters, Lillian Kakes, Evelyn Turznik, Alice Neururer, Edna Curtis, Eileen “Betty” Lindner, Carol Pellman and a brother Melvin Kakes.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church. Reverend David Karolus will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 until the service. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.