Age 96. Born May 30, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to William and Mary Margaret Joerres.

Gene loved to tell stories of his childhood summers at the family farm in Northern Wisconsin, eating green apples, chasing the cats, milking the cows, and having fun with his uncle, George Sensenbrenner (deceased).

He was a loving brother to Pauline Tiedemann until her recent death.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army.

Gene married Mary Theresa Pauc on December 31, 1955 and remained a devoted husband until her death in 1979 and a great son-in law and brother-in-law to Mary's parents and brothers, Fred, William and Frank (deceased). Gene was a devoted husband to his second wife, Dolly (deceased). He was a loving, caring, guiding father to Eugene Joseph Joerres, Mary Ann Joerres and Roberta Louise Bie and by example instilled in them a love for the outdoors, empathy and generosity, a solid work ethic and a desire to be helpful to others.

Gene loved reading and many of his thousands of books on wildlife and birds have been donated to nature conservancies. He was a wonderful father-in-law to Laura Joerres (nee Moldenhauer), Adrian Wnukowski and Richard Bie. He was a hard worker for the Milwaukee Road and later at Pius XI High School for over 35 years.

He was the best grandfather to Daniel Joerres (Jenna Van Allen), Joseph Daniel Wnukowski (Sonia Ellison), Adam (Kim) Joerres and Mary Katherine "Katie" (Taylor) Whorton. His many trips with them to the Milwaukee zoo will be cherished. As with his children, he inspired his grandchildren to love the outdoors and appreciate the flora and fauna and colors of life.

His yearly backyard picnics -- with hordes of family, friends and neighbors -- were legendary. He was an avid birdwatcher and loved his many trips across the Americas, meeting new people and photographing the wildlife. He lived a life true to his principles and the teachings of Christ. Gene participated in groups seeking equality and justice for all during times that such activities were unpopular. He was passionate about the natural world and supported several environmental and conservation causes. Gene was, indeed, a great man. He left this world and went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2023, leaving great memories and inspiration.

Visitation at Hartson Funeral Home on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 10 am to 11 am. Funeral Service 11 am. Interment to follow: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology or the Nature Conservancy appreciated.