Gene was the president of Memorial Hospital of Taylor County from 1962 until his retirement in 1997. Gene was also the Chairman of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, Chairman of the Tri State Association in 1973, the recipient of the Harold Coombs Award in 1975, recipient of Medford Man of the Year in 1975, board member of the American Hospital Association from 1984 to 1988, where he also served as the Chairman in 1988. He proudly served his country in the Wisconsin National Guard for 23 years where he earned the rank of major.
In his spare time Gene was a member of Kiwanis, the Historical Society, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Tee High Golf Course, and former member and President of the Medford Curling Club. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as a past Congregational President and longtime choir member.
In addition to his wife Gene is survived by his five children, Denise (David) Thiede, E. Stuart (Kristin) Arnett, Lisa (Gerry) Jiskra, Jon (Amy) Arnett, James (Missy) Arnett; nine grandchildren, John (Kevin Graham) Thiede, Alyssa Thiede, Lindsey (Ryan) Mitchell, Emily (Jesse) Sams, Christian Arnett, Zakary Arnett, Katherine Arnett, Alex Arnett, Matthew Jiskra; four step-grandchildren, Megan (Eric) Clapp, Paul Koepnick, Seth Koepnick, Annaka (Marcos Quiles) Koepnick; three great- grandchildren Lillian, Beau, and Avery. He is further survived by many other friends and family.
In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his brother Leonard Arnett in 2000.
Funeral services for Gene will be held on Thursday, January 26 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey with Rev Randal Jeppesen. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey on Thursday January 26 from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
