After spending an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with his family and friends, Gene DeBruin, age 87, of Kimberly, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, November 30, 2014. Gene was born on February 16, 1927, in Little Chute, to Joseph and Marie (Welhouse) DeBruin and was the step-son of William Walsh. On August 12, 1950, he began his loving marriage to Alvina “Alvie” (Huss), which they enjoyed until her death 46 years later. Gene was the loving father of David (Linda) and Debra (special friend, Mike Van Asten), and the gentle and playful grandfather of David's children: Erica (Sam Rosenfeld), Christopher, Laura and Natalee.

Gene proudly served his county as a radio operator in the Merchant Marine from 1944 until 1946 and in Korea with the U. S. Marine Corps from 1952 until 1953. Between the wars was employed by Thilmany Mill. Following his discharge from the Marines, Gene was employed at the Kimberly Mill, becoming Head Electrician. He retired after more than 35 years.

Gene was active in community affairs. For many years he served as the Captain of the Kimberly Volunteer Fire Department and was an officer of the Wisconsin Safety League. He was a life member of Post 60 of the Kimberly American Legion and of Post 3319 of the Kaukauna VFW and was an enthusiastic Red Kettle Campaign volunteer for the Salvation Army.

Family was everything to Gene. He especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends at the cottages at Pelican Lake. There he taught the grandchildren and their friends the joy of playing sheepshead. He also kept up with the grandchildren at Great America, taking pride in riding roller coasters until he was 84.

Gene was one of four boys, is survived by his youngest brother Jack, and was predeceased by Quintin “Dutch” and Clement “Blackie”. He is also survived by Alvie's brothers Jim (Barbara Wetzel), Archie (Maggie) and Harvey (Elaine) Huss.

Memorial services for Gene will be at NOON on Friday, December 5, 2014, at the JANSEN FARGO FUNERAL HOME, 204 East Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Military Honors will be observed following the service.

The DeBruin Family is considering which charitable use will be made of donations. The charity will likely be an educational charity or a service organization such as the USO (United Service Organizations, Inc.) or the Salvation Army.

Donations may be sent c/o the Wichmann Fargo Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911.

Should you wish to give directly to the charity, please send a note to that effect. The Family thanks you for your thoughts, prayers and generosity