Eugene “Gene” Thomas Goeglein , 71, of Lake in the Hills Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 26, 2021 surrounded by his family. Gene was born November 10, 1949 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to parents Eugene and Rosemary (nee Roe) Goeglein.
Gene resided in Whitewater, Wisconsin until he went off to study education at the University of Nebraska. He received his Bachelor’s in education while playing football for the Nebraska Cornhusker’s as a walk on. This is where the start of his lifelong love for the Nebraska Football Program began. Gene went onto receive his Master’s in Education from the University of Madison and completed his education with post graduate work in education policy and leadership studies at Loyola University.
Gene spent 41 years in the field of education, having many roles including physical education teacher, football/track/wrestling coach, athletic director, dean of students, principal and finished his career as the Regional Superintendent of McHenry County. Gene retired in 2011, however continued to work with the schools, performing health, life and safety inspections until 2020.
While Gene loved his career, nothing meant more to him than his two daughters, Kate and Kristie. The love he had for his girls was evident in everything he did. That love became seven times sweeter when they gave him the most precious gift of all, his grandchildren. In the many roles he had throughout his life, “Papa” was by far his proudest and most honored role.
When Gene wasn’t working, with his family, or cheering on his Huskers’, he could be found on the golf course, sharing his famous jokes and stories with the lifelong friends he made on the greens.
Gene will be remembered by his daughters, Kate (Adam) Brink, and Kristie (Aaron Krejci) Brokaw, their mother Linda Goeglein, his grandchildren, Jay, Cameron, Taylor, Owen, Gavin, Cayden, and Alivia, his siblings, Maribeth McLaughlin, Walter Goeglein, and Catherine (Jamie) Heber, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene's name may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, as he was always giving back to the children, he spent his life educating.
Visitation will be Monday, May 3, 2021 from 4:00p.m. to time of prayer service 6:30 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Mass will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneralhome.com
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Well my friend, our journey in this world has come to an end. WE have been friends for over 53 years starting at the university of Nebraska on hot and humid days on the practice field. I don't remember now much dirt we ate and how many alpines we ran but now they are beautiful memories, then they were unbearable. You were my best friend in college and closer after we graduated. We enjoyed watching our families grow into adults and become successful. We spoke frequently and on game days we talked through entire football games. Those days are gone from us now but the memories remain. There is no words to write to explain the void that will be with those of us that remain because you were and always be a tremendous person, father, grandfather and wonderful friend. There was so. much more we had to do in life but someone else needed you more. I sure hope it is on offense because defensively you were lost...lol. I am laughing to hide me tears and you are going to missed more than you realize. I promise not to tell to many stories about your escapades when we were in college, now I can blame you for all the mischief. Rest in peace my friend, now i will talk and you listen, thank you for your enduring and undying friendship. The Big Red "N" will fly for you forever.
I am now a retired teacher but met Gene my very first year out of college. Gene and I were both young teachers at DC Everest High School in Schofield, WI (Wausau) Then we reunited at Big Foot High School and our friendship continued. His former wife, Linda was an intern for me. All those who had the absolute privilege and delight in knowing Gene, could attest to his energy and the way he could "work a room"! He was always bigger than life that it's hard to imagine that his bright light has moved on. His motivation and dedication towards all his endeavors were astounding. Gene made everything fun. The world is definitely a lesser place for his absences but not his imprint. I will never forget Gene and I am so very grateful I was fortunate enough to have known him. He's probably telling some hilarious stories up in heaven right now!
Gene was a mentor to me at NCISC. I will miss his gregarious personality. God bless...GL
Coach was my mentor, confidant and most of all my true friend. I loved Coach and will always remember him telling me, "When faced with a tough decision, always ask yourself what is best for kids...then go out and do it". My Thoughts and prayers are with the family he so dearly loved and cherished. He was such a proud dad and grandfather. His legacy will live on. "Do what is best for kids". I repeat it often and think about coach everytime I say it. Rest in Peace Coach.
My condolences to the entire family. Gene's death came as another unwelcome surprise, in a year of them. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Gene while he was Huntley principal and at the regional school office. Always upbeat. Always eager to help. He put the "class" in classroom. He will be missed.
Sympathy to the entire Goeglein family
papa i truly miss you we all do but we know you dont want us to cry and worry all about you but anyways your one year anniversery is coming up since when you passed we love you
papa i truly miss you we all do but we know you dont want us to cry and worry all about you but anyways your one year anniversery is coming up since when you passed we love you
Hi it’s Gavin from Cameron hi papa we miss you we wish you were here have a great day from jay we got your message of how not to go on spring break without the g man from everyone hi dad hi papa hi gene we all miss you and that’s ok and when we miss you some tears go down our eyes we truly miss you
Hi it’s Gavin from Cameron hi papa we miss you we wish you were here have a great day from jay we got your message of how not to go on spring break without the g man from everyone hi dad hi papa hi gene we all miss you and that’s ok and when we miss you some tears go down our eyes we truly miss you
Hi it’s Gavin from Cameron hi papa we miss you we wish you were here have a great day from jay we got your message of how not to go on spring break without the g man from everyone hi dad hi papa hi gene we all miss you and that’s ok and when we miss you some tears go down our eyes we truly miss you
Hi it’s Gavin from Cameron hi papa we miss you we wish you were here have a great day from jay we got your message of how not to go on spring break without the g man from everyone hi dad hi papa hi gene we all miss you and that’s ok and when we miss you some tears go down our eyes we truly miss you
Hi it’s Gavin from Cameron hi papa we miss you we wish you were here have a great day from jay we got your message of how not to go on spring break without the g man from everyone hi dad hi papa hi gene we all miss you and that’s ok and when we miss you some tears go down our eyes we truly miss you
Well Geener, two years have passed and all I do is grow older and you my friend will remain young. Last football season was looooong and miserable and without you calling me or me calling you on game day and during the games there wasn’t much pleasure. At least when we talked and things went bad we could laugh, now I don’t do that, I sit and remember the good old days when things were going well. A new spring is approaching and a new regime in Lincoln, hopefully this one works. I will attend this spring game, maybe see a few of our old friends and talk about the good times we all had and this trip I am going to tell everyone the truth about the “take home test”and you locking Dr. Karst outside in the snow. I miss you my friend and I miss our golf and visits and most of all on game days, those are the hardest. Maybe this is the year we come back…….I can see your smile now and you old “Martin, I told you so”. Laughing to keep from crying my friend.