Gene R. McCracken, 61, of Norwalk passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
Gene was born Aug. 17, 1949, to Fay and Esther (O’Gara) McCracken in Hillsboro. He was united in marriage to Sharon Clements in 1971 in Viroqua. Gene taught in the Adams Friendship School District for 35 years. He loved the outdoors, especially during hunting season.
Gene is survived by his wife, Sharon of rural Norwalk; one son, Shannon (Tina) McCracken of Norwalk; two grandchildren, Kalen and Kinley McCracken; two sisters, Barbara (Darlo) Wentz of Richland Center, Wis., and Elizabeth Emshoff of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Esther; a sister, Patricia Burke; a nephew, Travis Wentz; and a great-nephew and great-niece, Sunny and Chance Alsen.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Father Richard Dickman will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9–11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
