Eugene William Birschbach, age 82, of Mt. Calvary, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2013. Eugene was born on July 5, 1931, a son of Simon and Rose (Gundert) Birschbach. On September 29, 1954, he married Rose Nett at St. Mary's Church in Marytown. Eugene was a modest man with a kind heart and generous spirit. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a strong love for family and the virtues of hard work, patience, and selflessness. Eugene was a farmer and a thoughtful steward of the land. Along with his devoted wife, Rose, he took pride in the traditions and German heritage upon which their farm was built. Together, Eugene and Rose created a happy family home and a legacy of blessings for their children. Eugene had a quick wit and a variety of interests and talents. He was skilled in machinery mechanics and farm management. He was also a musician: teaching accordion lessons and playing in a band during his younger years and continuing to play the organ at his home throughout most of his retirement. Eugene enjoyed gardening and sharing his bountiful harvests—especially those of raspberries and pumpkins. He also liked polka music, playing cards, good jokes, chocolate, and having the Farmer's Steak Breakfast at the Oasis Restaurant. Eugene took great pleasure in family gatherings and celebrations. Memories of Eugene will forever be cherished by: Rose, his loving wife of 59 years; his children: Mary Ann (Al) Schmitz of Pipe, Debbie (Dennis) Schneider of St. Peter, Patty (Mike) Schneider of Malone, Bonnie (Rick) Schmitz and Cheryl (CT) Field, all of Fond du Lac, and Gerald (Sherry) Birschbach of North Fond du Lac; 12 grandchildren: Phil (Kelly) Schmitz, Jess (Eric) Muench, Chris (Jennie) Schneider, Nathan (KateLynn) Schneider, Tim (Jen) Schneider, Aaron (Melissa) Schneider; Tom, David and Jaryd Schmitz; Logan Field, and Brittany and Carissa Birschbach; 11 great-grandchildren; his brother and sister: James Birschbach and Joan (Jerome) Diederichs; 5 sisters-in-law: Betty Birschbach, Dolly Birschbach, Lillian (Owen) Beck, Lyla (Roger) Karls, Florence Nett; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Martha (Harold) Petrie, Alice (John) Wurtz, Germaine (Leander) Sabel; three brothers: Harold (Marcella) Birschbach, Lester Birschbach, and Nelson Birschbach; and sister-in-law, Joan Birschbach; and brother-in-law, Jerry Nett. Eugene was a member of Holy Cross Parish in Mt. Calvary. A funeral service for Eugene will be held on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 12:00 noon, at Ledgeview Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum N6250 County Hwy K Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Rev. Gary Wegner OFM Cap. will officiate. Family and friends may call at the mausoleum chapel on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of services. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Agnesian Hospice Hope and the wonderful caregivers from St. Francis Home who cared for Eugene during his brief stay.