Gene "Beaner" Ehlke

Gene Anthony “Beaner” Ehlke, age 57 of Menasha passed away on June 16, 2016. Beaner was born on October 15, 1958 to Walter F. Sr. and Mildred E. (Kohler) Ehlke. He was a 1977 graduate of Menasha High School.
Beaner was formerly employed by Ponderosa Pulp, Gunderson Cleaners and as a chef at Hank's, a local tavern.
He was a simple man who enjoyed the quiet life. He loved his children and especially loved his grandson Harley. He was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and catching bullfrogs. He enjoyed all sports and liked to play Frisbee golf. He was also an amazing cook and made the “best fish fry in the world”.
He is survived by his children: Stephanie Ehlke and her son Harley McMillen, and Andrew Ehlke, brothers and sisters: James (Alice) Ehlke of Menasha; Sharon Michalski of Appleton; Steve Ehlke of Neenah; Cindy (Dan) Lowenhagen of Appleton; Daniel (Cathy) Ehlke of Menasha; Bonnie (Tony) Gosz of Menasha; Jerry (Mary Crews) Ehlke of Neenah; Wally Ehlke of Appleton; Tony (Melinda) Ehlke of Weyauwega; dear friend and former wife Cheryl Ehlke; lifelong friend Rosebud; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Mark Anthony Ehlke and one brother-in-law Harry Michalski.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Beaner's life on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Wichmann-Laemmrich Funeral Home of Menasha from 9:00am to 11:00am. A Memorial Service will follow immediately at 11:00am at the funeral home. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.
The family expresses a special thank you to all Beaner's caregivers, especially Amy, Molly, Rachel, Stephanie, Ann, Tracy, Lakia, Tiffany and Crystal Lynn from Century Oaks and Lisa and Millie from Heartland Hospice