Eugene “Gene” Worzalla, age 72, of Stevens Point passed away Monday evening June 9, 2014 at St. Michael’s Hospital. Gene fought a courageous 4 1/2 year battle with cancer, and passed into eternal life with his loving family beside him.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gene will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 13, 2014 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Rev. Thomas Lindner will officiate. Burial will be in the Guardian Angel Cemetery. Friends and family will gather to share memories from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday at Shuda Funeral Chapel. A general rosary will be prayed at 7:00 at the funeral chapel. Visitation will also be on Friday at the church from 10:00 – 10;45 AM.

Gene was born April 28, 1942 in Stevens Point, the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Zynda) Worzalla. He graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1960. Gene married the love of his life, Kathleen (Kay) Knitter on June 29, 1963 at St. Bronislava Catholic Church. They celebrated 50 years of marriage last June. He worked in the meat department for Copps and Roundys for a number of years before opening Gene’s IGA in Rosholt in 1986. People drove for many miles to buy his famous homemade smoked meats, sausage and head cheese. From 1990 to 1996 Gene also owned and operated the Gene’s IGA store in Plover. Gene closed the Rosholt store in 2006 and retired. During retirement he worked for a year in the meat department at County Market. Gene was a long time member of St. Stanislaus Church where he was a minister of hospitality for 15 years. He was also a member of the Stevens Point Elks Club, Izaak Walton League, Rosholt Fair Board, Rosholt Lions Club and was on the board of directors for the Copernicus Cultural Foundation of Stevens Point. He truly enjoyed spending time with family, especially at his cottage on Lake Helen. Hunting, traveling, fishing, boating, horses and watching the animals in his back yard were just a few of his many interests. He was an avid NASCAR and Packer fan. Gene’s quick witted humor and upbeat personality will be missed by all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his wife Kathleen and their 3 children: Shelley (Jeffrey) Firkus, Custer; Tammy (LeRoy) Duda, Stevens Point; Nathan (Amy) Worzalla, Neenah. 6 grandchildren: Amber, Nicholas, Caitlin, Maggie, Broc, and Alena. 2 great grandchildren: Lucia and Veronica and another due in December.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com