Eugene “Gene” Henry Haws, 65, of Kendall died Saturday, July 27, 2013, at his home.
He was born May 13, 1948, to Walter and Alta (Westby) at home in the town of Ridgeville. He was united in marriage to Karen Bolden. Gene farmed for many years and was the owner and operator of Gene’s Tractor Service. He was a National Tractor Puller for several years and did his own work on his tractors. He volunteered for the Hustler Booster Club for many years, working the tractor pulls.
He loved fishing, especially in South Dakota, with his best friend Elden. Gene was always hardworking and willing to help out anyone. He had an outgoing personality and enjoyed visiting with his friends. 
Most important to Gene was his family. He was a loving father and a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and his grandchildren could often be found helping out grandpa in his shop.
He is survived by five children, Terri (Thomas Jr.) Bean of Sparta, Tonia (her fiancé Dan Steven) of New Lisbon, Trish (Dan) Gorn of Kendall, Gene J. (Lauren) Haws of Tomah and Tabitha Parker of Tomah; 11 grandchildren, Michael Melde, Christopher (Lianna) Melde and Thomas Bean III, Mercedez Lewis, Owen Lewis and Blayne Lewis, Olivia Gorn, Katlyn Haws, Elizabeth Haws and Alyssa Haws, and Samantha Marks; a great-granddaughter, Ellianna Lynn; a brother, Jim (Linda Fitzsimmons) of Sparta; a sister, Corrine (Jim) of Norwalk; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Roseann.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at Evangelical Free Church, Kendall. Pastor Robert Waschek will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.
Relative and friends are invited to call at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and at the church from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
