Gene A. Ringleman, 85 of Onalaska, WI passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026at home with his family by his side.

He was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 18, 1940, to Fern Zielke. Because of life circumstances, he was adopted by Reinhold and Mabel Ringleman at the age of two years old.

He grew up in the La Crosse and Onalaska areas, making many lifelong friends, especially his buddy, Wayne Goldbeck, they were like brothers! Gene moved to Kenosha, WI in the early 1960’s where he worked at American Motors. He met his first wife and they had three children. The family later moved to Shullsburg, Hazel Green, WI area.

Gene and Wayne’s families made many memories together, spending holidays and many nights with the parents playing cards and having a couple of beers.  The kids would play flashlight tag or board games. More memories were made by families going on vacations or weekends spent boating on the river.

Gene and family later moved back to Onalaska, to help care for his parents. He later met and married the love of his life, wife Sherry. They were together for thirty-nine years.

Gene was a true Green Bay Packers fan, never missing a game in over sixty years. He enjoyed trapping, fishing, golfing and gardening,

Gene and Sherry later contacted his biological family and connected with two of his siblings. His mother, Fern, and two siblings sadly had passed away. He later found another son, John, they all treasured the time they had together. He truly loved his family.

Gene is survived by his wife Sherry; Children; John (Laurie Ann) Clary of Burlington, WI; Michael of Owatonna, MN; Steven (Tina) of La Crosse, WI; Andy Schuch of French Island, WI; and Chris (Mike) Berg of Onalaska, WI. There are 23 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Fern Zielke and his adopted parents Reinhold and Mabel Ringleman; daughter Tammy; grandson Matt; brother James; sister Victoria; uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family during this difficult time.