Schriefer Sr., Eugene (Gene) Henry

Eugene (Gene) Henry Schriefer

Eugene (Gene) Henry Schriefer, Sr., age 86, of Dodgeville went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Southwest Health in Platteville.  Gene was born on July 11, 1937 to Henry and Elsie Lillian (Enkemeier) Schriefer in Queens Village, Long Island, NY.  He graduated from Mepham High School in Bellmore, NY in 1955.  He enlisted in the United States Navy and served for three years stationed in San Diego and Japan.    

Gene married Lorraine R. Botterbrodt on March 26, 1960 in Bellmore, NY.  Gene and Lorrie welcomed Eugene H. Schriefer, Jr. to their family in July 1961.  They moved to Atco, NJ outside of Philadelphia in 1968 where Gene taught at the American Institute of Drafting.  His career continued with Schaevitz Engineering in Pensauken, NJ and ended at Herzing College in Madison where he retired in 2002.  Gene proudly obtained his Bachelor's degree while at Herzing.

Gene and Lorrie fulfilled their lifelong dream of owning a farm when they purchased a property outside of Dodgeville in 1983 and moved there from New Jersey in 1989 with two horses, three geese, two cats, and their dog.  A farmer at heart, he relished time in his garden and the tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, potatoes, and egg plant that he produced.  

Gene was a man of great faith.  He served his Lord and held various roles in his churches through the years.  Most recently, he was a founding and dedicated member of Faith Lutheran AFLC in Mineral Point.  He loved music and shared his talent with his participation in church choirs and as a soloist.  Cooking was also a passion and Faith Lutheran benefitted from his generosity through his contributions of fudge and butter crunch for their annual Christmas Cookie Sale.  Gene and Lorrie replaced the deck on their home this summer and the new design gave him the opportunity to spend evenings looking over the farm, reflecting on all that God had done for him in his lifetime.

Gene was a proud 4-H leader in Camden County, NJ and Iowa County, WI for 53 years and especially enjoyed the horse project.  Gene and Lorrie spent much of their free time camping and enjoyed seeing new places.  Opa and Oma were especially delighted to include grandson Haakon in their adventures. They also cherished road trips to connect with family and friends across the country.  

Gene was blessed with a loving family.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years Lorrie; son Gene Jr. and daughter-in-law Ruth of Mineral Point; grandson Haakon of Charlotte, NC; brother Richard in Clover, SC; many nieces, nephews, friends, and his furry white companion Tasha.  He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Elsie; sister Marilyn and brother-in-law Stanley Donaldson; sister-in-law Lois Schriefer; in-laws Wilhelm and Anna Botterbrodt; brother-in-law Willy and sister-in-law Janet Botterbrodt.  

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 400 Ridge Street, Mineral Point on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Cal Schaver will officiate.  Lunch will follow at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran in Gene's memory.  

Lorrie, Gene Jr., Ruth, and Haakon extend heartfelt thanks to the Grant County Sheriff's Department and Southwest Health EMS for their immediate response, and the entire staff at Southwest Health for their compassionate care.    

Gorgen Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com