Eugene “Gene” J. Prien

1928-2020

Eugene “Gene” J. Prien, 91, of Colby, passed away surrounded by his loving family at the Colonial Center in Colby on Friday, May 29, 2020, under the tender care of Hope Hospice. A funeral service was held at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Riplinger with military honors provided by Colby VFW Post No. 2227. Rev. Mark Neumann officiated. Family and friends were welcome on Sunday from 12-12:45 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford.

Eugene was born on June 20, 1928, the son of Joseph and Ella (Thielke) Prien, in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School. Gene was united in marriage to Darlene Molle on April 20, 1949 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Riplinger and she preceded him in death on Aug. 11, 2019. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service, he worked as an auto mechanic before buying the Gambles Hardware Store in Colby. Gene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, where he sang in the choir. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone, snowmobiling and working on old cars.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Peggy (Daniel) Kraschnewski of Medford; three grandsons, Ryan (Robin) Kraschnewski and Jeffery (Kimberly) Kraschnewski, all of Medford and Lucas (Rebecca) Kraschnewski of Green Bay; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Restyn, Rylan, Shaelyn and Daxton; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene; a brother, Milton; and a sister, Arlene Radtke.

The family requests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or Colby VFW Post No. 2227.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid Obituary 90114