Gene E. Britton

Gene E. Britton, Appleton, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 10, 2011. Gene was born in Fond du Lac on July 23, 1931. He was raised in Madison and attended Madison Central High School. He received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and then served in the U.S. Army for two years. While in service, Gene married Mitzi Mary Wulk at Luther Memorial Church in Madison, on August 18, 1954. After his service in the Army, Gene returned to UW-Madison where he earned a Masters Degree in Education. Gene and Mitzi then moved to Appleton in 1957.

In Appleton Gene was both a teacher and guidance counselor at Wilson Junior High School. When Einstein Junior High was built in 1966, Gene became the Assistant Principal, and then one year later, became the Principal, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. After retirement Gene continued his service as an educator by supervising student teachers for the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and continued in that role through fall 2010.

Gene cherished time spent with family, especially with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching sports, and especially loved attending Badgers and Packers games through the years, including the Ice Bowl. He was often seen at area high school basketball games, and he loved to play golf. After 25 years as a jogger, Gene transitioned to daily walking 10 years ago. He also enjoyed bridge, reading, and keeping his yard looking perfect.

Gene was an active member of the Appleton Y's Men's Club for several years. He also served on the Appleton Library Board, the YMCA Board, and the WIAA Junior High Board of Control. He was a field representative for the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) and received the AWSA Service Award for Demonstrated Leadership in 2009. Most recently, Gene served as a volunteer at Leaven.

Gene is survived by Mitzi, his wife of 57 years; two sons, Jeffrey (Cathy) Britton and Andrew (Lisa) Britton; and three grand children, Erin Britton, David Britton, and Marina Britton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held on Saturday, November 19th, 2011 at 11:00 AM at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 209 S. Allen Street in Appleton, with Pastors Kurt and Mary Beth Kovanen officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. A memorial will be established in his name.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231