Gene was born on July 2, 1925 in Sheboygan, Wisc. and was the youngest of the late Frank and Mayme (Dreps) Stauber’s three children.
Gene grew up and lived in Sheboygan until, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served with the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees. While in the Navy, he met Anne Marie Derditch of Chicago and the two corresponded via letters when Gene was stationed with the Seabees in Guam. After he returned, they were married at Holy Name Catholic Church in Sheboygan on June 21, 1947. They were married for almost 70 years, until Anne’s passing in January 2017. As newlyweds, the couple settled in Sheboygan, where they were active in the Newcomers Club and formed lifelong friendships. As Gene pursued work in his craft as a sign painter, they moved to Rockford, Ill., then San Bernardino, Calif., and ultimately settled in Beaverton, Ore. in 1968 with their three sons.
Gene was known for his kind heart, easy-going demeanor, and commitment to his family. He was a talented sign painter who created hand-painted pictorial billboards, gold leaf lettering, and beautiful hand-painted signage. He was a dedicated spouse and father, proud grandfather, and supportive friend to many. He enjoyed fishing, painting watercolor landscapes, carpentry and home improvement projects, time with his family at Lake Merwin Camper’s Hideaway in Amboy, Wash., and being involved with his community. He was active with Our Lady of the Assumption parish in San Bernardino, St. John Fisher in Portland, and St. Cecilia in Beaverton. Gene never forgot his Midwestern roots and was a superfan of the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers.
Gene is predeceased by his wife Anne, his brother Raymond, and his sister Marie (Brunnbauer). He is survived by his three sons Jeff (Susan) of Indio, Calif., Lee (Mary) of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and Jim (Joy) of Chicago, Ill.; his grandchildren Joshua (Melissa), Zachary (Taylor), Matthew, Emily, and Joseph; and great-grandsons Dylan, Julian, Jayden, and Logan.
A ceremony for family and friends will be held on June 10, 2021 at 11:00 A.M., at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mount Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, Oregon, 97086. Gene will be interred next to his beloved wife in a columbarium with a beautiful view of Mount Hood.
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