Eugene "Gene" J. Rosera, Jr.

Eugene J. Rosera, Jr. (lovingly known as Gene, Geno, or Rozz to various people), passed away Thursday evening, March 6, 2025 at Sharon Richardson Hospice in Sheboygan Falls, surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born on April 29, 1958 in Iron River, MI., son of the late Eugene and Valerie (Pidgeon) Rosera, Sr. He was a graduate of Reedsville High School with the class of 1976. Gene began his career at the Manitowoc Shipyard where he was a master welder. He worked road construction with his dad in southern Wisconsin and he also worked at various auto shops in the area.

In February 1981 he met Kathryn Huebner while roller-skating and were joined in marriage on August 14, 1982 at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc.

Gene began his lifelong dream of restoring cars at a very early age (around 5 years old) while alone in his bedroom, he painted his just gifted fire engine toy blue (much to his parents dismay). In 1982 he started his own auto restoration business in Reedsville, ACAR Restoration, LLC., where he restored the RVFD 1927 REO Speedwagon Fire Truck and every other vehicle with expert craftsmanship. He always said each vehicle had it’s own personality and he turned them all into masterpieces. Because of his abilities and attention to detail he, his wife, and family became good friends with many of his customers.

Gene was formerly a volunteer firefighter for Reedsville and a long-time member of St. John-St. James Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsville. He was on the school board for St. John-St. James Ev. Lutheran School, a member of The Messengers (St. John-St. James Praise Band), and was instrumental in installing the newest organ at the church. In his free time, Gene enjoyed model airplane and cars, wood working, playing guitars, and restoring old snowmobiles and gas pumps. He also restored old wood floors in his house and built many projects for his wife and kids. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family and said his greatest blessings in life were his three wonderful children.

Survivors include his wife: Kathryn “Kathy” Rosera, Reedsville; their children: Nathan Rosera, Reedsville, Kassia (Louis) Perez, Brillion, Kaylia Rosera (significant other Coleton Gulseth), Reedsville; one granddaughter: Violet Perez; a bonus child: Steve (Patience) McCord, Fond du lac; his siblings: Marcia (Richard) Barbier, Crivitz, Kathleen (Larry) Preston, Eden, Laurie Rosera and Holly Rosera, both of Iron River, MI.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Timothy (Susan) Huebner, Rebecca (Kevin) Woodman, Deborah Huebner, all of Manitowoc, Thomas (Melissa) Huebner, Mishicot. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ralph and Rachel Huebner.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at St. John – St. James Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsville. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Darin Aden. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the Pielhop Funeral Home of Reedsville (15 N. 7th Street) from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The visitation will continue Thursday morning at church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Online condolence may be made by visiting www.pielhop.com.

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Reedsville and Brillion are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.