Gene P. Ploetz, Kaukauna, age 84, died Thursday September 10, 2015 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born in Appleton on August 15, 1931 to the late Carl and Alice (Pahl) Ploetz. Gene married Margery "Micki" Malkson in Kaukauna at Trinity Lutheran Church on June 11, 1960. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2006.

Gene spent his life as an educator. He taught for two years in Lake Zurich, IL before returning to Kaukauna in 1958. There, he spent most of his career with junior high school/middle school students. Gene was named State of Wisconsin District Teacher of the Year for Junior High School in 1976 and retired from Electa Quinney Middle School in 1992. Gene loved history and served as the Historian for the City of Kaukauna.

Gene had many hobbies, including model railroading and cheering for the Packers and Badgers. He could often be found at Village Limits, dining with friends and family, and maybe enjoying a martini as well. Gene was an avid golfer and enjoyed sharing his passion with others, founding the golf program at Kaukauna High School and coaching it for five years.

Gene is survived by his siblings: Carla Kobs and Pahl (Ann) Ploetz, both of Kaukauna; sister-in-law: Connie (Jim) Beck; and nieces and nephews: Robyn (Richard) Trilling, Jim Rausch, Tammy (Chet) Rausch-Stumpf, Jennifer (Ryan) Arnold, Jason (Jamie) Kobs, Justin (Rachel) Kobs, Pahla (Joe Schoenfelt), Kelly (Nate) Vils and Payton (fiancée Keira) Ploetz. He is further survived by great nieces and nephews, his beloved cat Oliver and many friends.

In addition to his parents and wife Micki, Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Joan (Jim) Rausch; brother-in-law, Bruce Kobs; and nephew, Randy Rausch.

Visitation will be held Sunday September 13, 2015 at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH (124 W. 10th St. Kaukauna) beginning at 1:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 6:00 p.m. The Rev. Levi Willms will officiate with Rev. Walter Steinbach assisting. Committal Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial is being established.

Gene's family would like to thank the 5th floor nursing staff at Appleton Medical Center and the Theda Care at Home Hospice staff for the kind care he received. Also, thank you to Patti for taking care of things at home for Gene all these years.