Eugene "Gene" Francis Gaber

Eugene “Gene” Francis Gaber, 92, of Rhinelander, died on July 7, 2025, at the Rennes Health and Rehab. He was born on December 16, 1932, in Rhinelander, the son of Sylvester and Eleanore (Pecor) Gaber. He attended schools in Rhinelander graduating from the Rhinelander High School in 1950. After his schooling he served with the U.S. Navy and upon his honorable discharge he returned to Rhinelander.

Gene attended the DeVry Institute and graduated with a degree in electronics. He used that degree to start Gaber Electric in 1967 which he owned and operated until his retirement. Throughout those years he was blessed to be able to work with his family.

Gene married Bernice Pralat on January 15, 1955, and they were blessed with nearly 67 years of marriage before her passing on March 10, 2023. They enjoyed traveling overseas to Spain and Switzerland and wintering at their home in Tucson, Ariz. for 30 years. He was a dedicated family man with a strong faith that he nurtured as a member of the St. Mary’s/Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. He was also a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith contributed to him being a fair, loving and energetic man as well as a principled businessman.

Gene was the ultimate sports fan. He enjoyed participating and watching any and all sports, especially the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, Badgers, the PGA Tour and the Hodags. He enjoyed hunting fishing and many picnics with family at the Rainbow Flowage. He was an avid golfer and member of the Rhinelander Country Club for many years. He enjoyed tournament golf and was successful as an individual, on a team, and in Couples League with his wife Bernice. He was proud of his hole in one on #3 at the Country Club.

Gene also volunteered as a coach and umpire for the youth baseball leagues in Rhinelander. He served as the President of the Babe Ruth League and was responsible for the field at Hodag Park being lit, allowing for nighttime baseball in Rhinelander.

Gene is survived by his daughter Sharon Youngquist, his sons David (Deborah) Gaber, Thomas (Sue) Gaber and Dennis (Dana Skarda) Gaber, his grandchildren Jessica, Katie, Kimberly, Misti, Andy, Kristen, Emily, Justin and Paul, his great grandchildren MaKayla, Natalie, Blake, Ella, Matalyn, Aubrey, Abigail, Evie and Elsie, his brothers Dale (Elaine) Gaber, Roger Gaber and Ronald (Elsie) Gaber, nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. In addition to his wife Gene was also preceded in death by his sister, Sister Delia, his brother Wallace and his parents.

Visitation for Gene will be held on Tuesday, July 15, from 10 a.m. until noon, with a Mass of Christian burial following at noon, all at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. Father Kris Kemp Will be officiating. Interment will be in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in Gene’s name and any gifts may be directed to his family. You may leave your private condolences for the Gaber family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home, 715-369-1414, is serving the Gaber family.