Eugene Kropp

Eugene (Gene) W. Kropp, 92, of Seymour, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family's love on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He was born on 6/5/33, as he so proudly stated when asked his date of birth, to Ambrose (Curly) and Eleanor (Verheyden) Kropp. He married Shirley A Wagner on October 19, 1955 in Isaar, WI and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together. Gene proudly served in the US Army and was stationed state side in Arizona for two years, he enjoyed sharing stories of this time with his family and friends. After his time in the service, Gene and Shirley returned to Isaar and raised four children on their 40-acre farm. He worked at Fort Howard Paper for 35 years prior to his retirement in 1993.

Gene was a farmer at heart and worked tirelessly raising Simmental cattle at Kropp's Choice Simmentals. His passion and love for raising and showing cattle shined through in his family and many friends along the way. Everyone was welcome on the farm and at shows, forming a cattle family that he was extremely proud of. Following their herd dispersal in 2002, Gene and Shirley enjoyed traveling the country watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren show livestock and play sports, a time together they very much cherished. They were avid Seymour and Pulaski High School sports boosters, along with St. Norbert softball, whether watching their grandkids, the neighbors, or just supporting the home team. He played slow pitch in his early years for Isaar and was a mentor to many.

Gene was an active member of the Seymour Rural Fire Department and served as chief for many years. He was a founding member of the Isaar Trailriders Club and served as their first president. He was also one of the founding members of the Valley Beef Association, a board member of the WI Simmental Association, a member of the Outagamie County Livestock Association and was instrumental in getting the livestock pavilion built. He was a steward for the outdoors and took great pride in the cabin he built on his hunting property in Navarino. He enjoyed woodworking after his retirement and was a great craftsman. He would cut the trees down, saw the lumber, and then build anything from pizza boards, to furniture, to his famed Leopold benches for family members, friends and anyone who asked. He was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Parish and helped with many woodworking projects for the church. Gene and Shirley lived a wonderful life together. He was always there for his family and friends, willing to help however he could. He had an amazing sense of humor and wit; that mischievous smile and twinkle in his eye continued to shine until the end.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 70 years, Shirley; his four children: Mark (Barb), Diane (Dan) Kimball, Dale (Kathy), and Donna (Tom) Swiecichowski. His grandchildren were his pride and joy: Jennifer (Sam) Patza, Jeff (fiancé Jen) Kropp, Justin (Ashley) Kimball, Emily (Wesley) Mueller, Kari (Joel) Groenveld, Jessica (Joey) Robaidek, Cody (Alyssa) Kropp, Laci (Brad) Hylok, TJ (Kelli) Swiecichowski, Oakley (fiancé Abbey) Swiecichowski, Morgan (Drew) Woodin. His great-grandchildren brought so much joy to his life: Grant, Cameron, Vidahlia, Charlene, Waylon, Hank, Geno, Henry, Clyde, Eleanor, Blake, Walker, Brady, Claire, River, Switch, Willow, Autumn, and Nolan. Gene is also survived by his sisters: Joyce Braun and Kathy (Denis) Gullickson; brother, Dennis (Doris) Kropp.

He was welcomed into heaven with the open arms of his granddaughter, Bobbi Jean Kimball; parents: Curly and Eleanor; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Fred and Frances Wagner. He was also greeted by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Visitation for Gene will take place at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 4:00 pm until the closing prayer service at 7:00 pm. On Thursday, December 4, 2025 the visitation will continue at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Isaar from 9:30 am until the funeral mass at 11:00 am with Deacon Rich Matuszak and Fr. Sengole Dass officiating. Military honors will take place with burial in the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

Thank you to the Seymour Rescue Squad for your assistance with dad with his fall. Thank you to the nurses at Aurora 4th floor, thank you to Moments Hospice for treating dad with dignity and compassion and assisting the family.