Gene A. Wirsing died peacefully at home with his family by his side Friday morning July 22, 2011 age 79. Gene was born on April 30, 1932 in Bay City to the late Norman and Edna (Kreitzer) Wirsing. He was a member of the 1949 T.L. Handy High’s first graduating class. He retired from the Dow Chemical Company in 1990 after 34 years of service. His early years were spent in the family’s J.I. Case farm implement business in Auburn, MI. He was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Beaver Twp.. He cherished his role as one of three founding officers of the Grace Lutheran Church of Auburn, founded in 1958. He was an avid sports fan serving as president of both T.L. Handy and Western High Booster Clubs. Gene thoroughly enjoyed attending all the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. On August 11, 1951, he married Clara Jean Myers and she survives him. Also surviving are 4 children, sons, Gary (Cathy Ann), Greg (Diane) Wirsing of Midland, daughters, Karen (Don) Rauschenberger of Auburn and Kathy Jo (Larry) Barre of Beaverton, MI., 2 grandsons, Kyle (Courtney) Rauschenberger, Midland and Scott (Rachel) Rauschenberger, Virginia Beach, VA., 1 great-grandson, Remington Rauschenberger, Midland, 2 step-grandchildren, Mark (Fiance’ Heidi) Barre of Midland, Jennifer (Jesse) Wegener of Midland, brothers, Chester (Clara D.) and Richard Wirsing, 1 sister, Marie (Howard) Knoerr, and 1 sister in-law, Florence Wegener and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his parents and 1 sister, Nancy Kloha.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday July 25, 2011 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church (Seidler & 11 Mile Rds.) Beaver Twp. Rev. Michael G. Buchhorn will officiate with burial to follow in Zion Cemetery. Gene’s family will receive friends at the Auburn Chapel of the Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Homes, Inc. on Sunday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. On Monday morning Gene will lie in state at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy, envelopes for Zion Ev.Lutheran Church (Beaver) Endowment Fund, MidMichigan Home Care (Hospice) and Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. (Worship for Shut-Ins) will be available at the funeral home.