Passed away on Aug 27, 2010

Eugene “Gene” Michael Kohlmeyer, age 69, of Black River Falls died at the Tri-County Hospital, Whitehall, WI on Friday, August 27, 2010. Gene was born on February 28, 1941 to Wilfred and Hazel (Oanes) Kohlmeyer in Galesville, WI. He graduated from Gale-Ettrick High School in 1959, and from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 1964. He served in the U.S. Army with the 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry, obtaining the rank of E-5 prior to his discharge. He then attended Michigan State University to work on his Masters Degree. In 1969, he was hired by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as Game Manager Trainee. Following a temporary assignment in Ladysmith, he moved to Black River Falls in 1970 to serve as Game Manager for Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties. In 1972, he was promoted to Area Wildlife Management Supervisor for Jackson, Trempealeau, Clark and Buffalo Counties. Gene was involved in a number of wildlife success stories in West Central Wisconsin including acquisition and development of the Whitman Dam, South Beaver Creek, Trempealeau Scattered Wetlands, North Bend Bottoms Wildlife Areas, restoration of the wild turkey, and management of the white-tailed deer population. His other interests and work included contributions to the management of Ruffled Grouse, Canada Geese, Eastern Timber Wolf, Karner Blue Butterfly, Massasauga Rattlesnake, and Kirkland’s Warbler. He was dedicated to science-based resources management and the perpetuation of Wisconsin’s hunting and trapping heritage. He retired from his position as Wildlife Management Supervisor in 1996. Gene was a long time resident of Black River Falls and enjoyed winning golf tournaments, trapping, fishing, and hunting turkeys. A special joy and interest for him was mentoring others in the sport of turkey hunting. Survivors include his companion of many years, Marylee Doud of Black River Falls; his brother, Hugh (Bev) Kohlmeyer of Galesville; two nieces, Kari (Tim) Tolstad of Freemont, WI and Karen (Brian) Sandmire of La Crosse; his aunt, Florence Oanes of Galesville; numerous cousins; and his trapping and hunting friend, John Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services, with military honors, will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Pastor Calvin Thoreson will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. on Friday, September 10 at the funeral home. The family asks that any memorials be given to the Friends of the Black River, P.O. Box 475, Black River Falls, WI 54615 or Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau Community Food Pantry, 20237 W. Ridge Ave., Galesville, WI 54630. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome