Eugene Duerst, age 76 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.  He was born on June 6, 1947 in Monroe, WI the son of Orso and Margaret (Urben) Duerst.  Gene attended the Meadow Valley School and graduated from New Glarus High School in 1965.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970.  On October 19, 1974 he was united in marriage to Jill Zweifel.  Gene retired from Kraft Foods in 2008.  He had fond memories of times spent hunting and fishing.  He took great pleasure in getting together on an ongoing basis with friends who helped him build a large model railroad table.

Eugene is survived by his wife Jill, brother Reggie (Martha) Duerst, sister-in-law June Strahm, and brother-in-law Robert Ivey.  He leaves behind many nieces & great-nieces, a great-great niece, nephews & great-nephews, and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Lynette Ivey.

Staff at the rehabilitation center at the New Glarus Home are to be recognized for their service provided during Gene's stay there.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held later in the spring.

Memorials can be made to New Glarus Area EMS, PO Box 289, New Glarus, WI 53574 or the National Model Railroad Association-South Central Wisconsin Division (NMRA-SCWD), c/o Bob McGeever, 309 W. Randolph St., Stoughton, WI 53580.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.