Eugene T. "Gene" De Kelver, age 77 of Cecil, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. Gene was born in Oconto on March 24, 1943 to the late Elmer and Marie (Detrie) De Kelver. On October 17, 1992 he was united in marriage to Betty L. Mueller. Eugene worked as a machinist for many years and was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano. A very intelligent man whose mind was always working, Gene enjoyed turning other people's trash into his treasures with creative ingenuity and hard work. Gene enjoyed hunting in his younger years and was an avid fisherman.  He enjoyed fishing with his friend Ed, year-round. Gene loved to garden, growing the biggest vegetables possible. In his free time, he enjoyed Sunday afternoon Bingo, working on jigsaw puzzles, camping with friends and family, and of course having "a coffee". Gene loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and making up creative games for the kids to play especially at Christmas. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gene is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Vickie (John) Lambert of Green Bay, Valerie (Mitch) Skaleski of Green Bay, Dean (Lynn) De Kelver of Manawa, Brenda (Bill) Hipke of Oconto and Traci (Scott Paris) Nygaard of Pulcifer; grandchildren, Luke (Nichole) Semrau, Brooke (Andy) Starks, Bailee Hunter, Cameron Hertwig, Holly (Gary) Smurawa, Amanda (Pablo) Duenes, Matthew De Kelver, Jolene (Shawn Seager) Hipke, and Janel (Jacob) Jaskolski; great-grandchildren, Madison, Bryson, Colton, Regan, Finnegan, Kaylie, Kenna, R'mani, Parker, Kylie, Diego, Jack, Jace, Paisley, Leah, and Beau; siblings, Joyce Kruse of Indiana, Mary Ann (Lee) Schley of DePere, and Gale (Tina) De Kelver of Oregon; former wife, Ruth Thompson; and sister-in-law, Janet DeKelver. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ronald (Linda) De Kelver and Wayne De Kelver; and a brother-in-law, Bob Kruse.

A funeral service will be held for Gene at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Swedberg Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel with Rev. Lew Worthington officiating. Inurnment will be in Zion United Methodist Cemetery in the Town of Hartland. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the funeral home in Bonduel from 9:30 am until the time of service.

Gene's family requests masks be worn and they are understanding of the choice not to attend services due to the current risks associated with the COVID pandemic.