Gene Allen Staats, age 78 of Shawano, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 15, 2011 in Eau Claire. Born on March 7, 1933 in Black River Falls, he was the son of the late Gustave and Berniece (Hardesty) Staats. Gene graduated from Augusta High School where he was an All Star athlete. He especially excelled in baseball and had the opportunity to play professionally. On December 14, 1951 he was united in marriage to Arlene Hanson. After marriage Gene worked for Whitehall Packing before moving to Green Bay where he was the head cattle buyer for Packerland Packing. He retired as the Vice President after 35 years. After retiring the couple moved to the Cecil area on Shawano Lake where Gene worked on an as needed basis for Bonduel Stock Yard. The couple later moved to the Shawano area where they lived part time along with the Augusta, WI area. Gene's heart had always been in Augusta where he would generously give gifts to the high school and boy scouts. He always believed in giving back to those that helped him along the way. He will rest in peace at his beloved cabin that he built as a place to watch his deer and turkeys. Gene is survived by: his wife, Arlene with whom he just celebrated 60 years of marriage; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Becky Staats of Bonduel; his daughter, Diane Staats of Burnsville, MN; his daughter and son-in-law, Bambi and Steve Van Den Heuvel of DePere; grandchildren, Adam Staats, Max Staats, Kaci Staats, Cameron (Katie) Van Den Heuvel, Kyle Van Den Heuvel; brother, Larry (Dolores) Staats of Eau Claire; sister, Rose McConnell of Mondovi; brother-in-law, Clayton Nelson of Mondovi; Uncle, Ray Hardesty, Jr. of Fairchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Betty Nelson; and a brother-in-law, Mac McConnell. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Boy Scouts or to a charity of your choice. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com