Eugene C. Karpinski, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 8, 2021, surrounded by family. Eugene was born and raised in Wausau, WI and graduated from Wausau High School in 1955.

 

Shortly after graduation, Eugene enlisted and served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in London, England. While stationed in England, Eugene was able to tour most of Europe including Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.

 

After returning home from London, Eugene met and married his sweetheart, Jeanne, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in 1961. Eugene attended and graduated from North Central Technical College with a degree in accounting. He spent his entire 40+ year career as a cost accountant for Wausau Metals Corporation.

 

In retirement, he continued to use his accounting background as an AARP tax preparer for nearly 15 years. Eugene also was an avid reader, golfer, bowler, and enjoyed time outside in his yard. One of his greatest joys was spending time on the porch with Jeanne while they enjoyed a cup of coffee and visited with neighbors. Eugene was also a passionate year-round griller and was well-known for his delicious chicken wings and old fashions.

 

Eugene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeanne (Sherfinski) Karpinski; his daughter, Nancy (John) Akey and their children Emily and Ryan Akey of Perrysburg, Ohio; his son Peter, who was his caregiver, of Wausau, WI; his sister, Margaret (Robert) DuBoise of Las Vegas, NV; his niece, Karen (Frank McLannis) Daly of Davenport, Florida; his niece, Debra Hooke of Baltimore, MD; his niece, Cindy Sherfinski, of Wausau, WI; his nephews, Mark (Lillie), Daniel (Linda), and Douglas (Lisa) Sherfinski of Shawano and Wausau, WI; his nephew Keith (Sandy) Kurtzweil of Davenport, Fl; and his brother-in-law Anthony (Dorothy) Sherfinski of Wausau, WI.

 

Eugene was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph (Estelle) Karpinske; his sister, Irene (Ray) Kurtzweil, and his parents, Charles and Veronica Karpinski.

 

Special thoughts go out to Debra Hooke and her children Erika and Nicholas who made special trips to see and spend time with Gene. Additionally, Eugene wanted to send out his love to Karen Daly and Frank McLannis who called and visited with him either on the phone or via webchat more times than he could remember. Prayers also go out to his sister, Margaret, who called him daily and was so concerned for his well-being. Gene’s family would also like to thank Cindy Sherfinski, his niece, for arranging his funeral service.

 

The mass to celebrate Eugene’s life will be held at Resurrection Church in Wausau, WI at 10:30 am with burial to follow at Restlawn Cemetery. Monsignor Fr. Mark Pierce will celebrate the mass. Eugene’s family requests that face masks be worn for the duration of the service.   There will be a live stream of the funeral Mass on the Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home Facebook page at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021.