Eugene 'Gene' H. Dockweiler

Eugene Herman ‘Gene’ Dockweiler, 83, of La Crescent, MN passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome on Friday, July 28, 2017 at La Crescent Health Services. He was born on September 29, 1933 in Rochester, Minnesota to Herman and Hedwig (Hoddap) Dockweiler. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1950 and from St. Mary’s University in 1954. He married Marilyn Traynor of Easton, MN on August 11, 1965 in Mankato, MN. He married Virginia (Gittens) Bell on September 23, 1989 at Crucifixion Church in La Crescent. Gene retired from G. Heileman Brewing in La Crosse in 1993. He and his wife traveled extensively in Germany to see relatives. They also traveled to Ireland, England, Scotland and Italy with the Winona Diocesan Choir. They also went on many cruises to Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands and through the Panama Canal with friends Paul and Molly Bueltel (Andy’s wife’s parents). Friday fish fry’s were enjoyed with Bev and Ted Rhode to over 150 different places in the area. For thirteen years they Wintered in Mesa, AZ. Gene was a member of Crucifixion Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife Virginia, son James (April) Dockweiler of Portland. OR, stepsons Ernest Bell (Heather Christensen) and his daughter Tia Bell (Ryan) and son Ryan, Andrew (Meg) Bell and their sons Matthew and Thomas, a twin sister Mary (Herman) Wittsack, brothers-in-law Bryan Traynor, Bill (Beth) Traynor and Joe (Donna) Gittens and a sister-in-law Pat Gittens. He was preceded in death by his first wife Marilyn (Traynor) Dockweiler on August 11, 1988, his parents and two brothers-in-law Raymond Traynor & David Gittens.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will follow in the Crucifixion Cemetery. Friends may call at the CHURCH on Friday from 4-7 PM, where a rosary will be recited at 7 PM, and again on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities of Winona, Crucifixion Church, ABLE of La Crescent or a charity of the donor’s choice. The Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crescent Chapel is assisting the family.