Gene L. Myers

LANCASTER - Gene L. Myers, age 91, of Lancaster, WI, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, after spending the last nine months without his loving wife.

Gene was born on February 1, 1935, in Bloomington, Wisconsin, to Russell and Catherine (Neis) Myers. After graduating from high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Alabama.

On January 4, 1957, Gene married the love of his life, Darlene A. Snyder. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and a deep love for the land and horses. In November of 1958, while living in Alabama, they welcomed their daughter, Jolene, before returning home to the Lancaster area.

Gene was known for his strong work ethic and versatility. Over the years, he worked as a farmer and share cropper, a livestock handler at the Beetown Livestock Exchange, and a school bus driver for the Lancaster School District. He also spent many years setting barrels and poles for high school rodeos, contributing to the local community he loved so much.

In 1982, Gene and Darlene built their dream log home, where they spent some of the happiest years of their lives together. They were lifelong active members of the West Grant Saddle Club and cherished the time they spent riding horses and traveling west with their horse trailer.

Gene had a knack for fixing just about anything—often with nothing more than duct tape, twine, and a little WD-40. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his resourcefulness, and his deep devotion to his family.

Gene’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No toys were ever needed when Grandpa was around—he was the entertainment. He made everyday moments special and created memories that will be treasured for generations. His love for them was steady, quiet, proud, and unmistakable. The bond he shared with each of them will never be forgotten.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Jolene (Peter) Kilcoyne of Dubuque, IA; his grandchildren, Robbie (Sam) Kilcoyne of Rickardsville, IA and Holly (Nate) Mrstik of Appleton, WI; and his great-grandchildren, Noah Kilcoyne, Addison Kilcoyne, Zaida Giellis, Kash Kilcoyne, Wylder Kilcoyne, Bryce Mrstik, and Bria Mrstik.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Catherine Myers; his beloved wife, Darlene A. Myers; his brothers, Paul (Betty) Myers and Glen (Margaret) Myers; and many other loved aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster. Burial with military honors accorded by Richard Burns American Legion Post 109 and William Pollock VFW Post 2344 will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends and family may gather on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the short services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations in Gene’s memory may be made to the West Grant Saddle Club. Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Grant County nurses and hospice team, the caregivers from Home Instead, Dubuque Hospice, Trustwell Living Eagle Point Place, and to Mike and Laurie Meighan, as well as Nancy and Danny Pagenkopf, for their compassionate care and support.

Gene’s legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family will live on in all who knew him.