Eugene Howard Killam

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Dr. Eugene (Gene) Howard Killam, age 78 who passed away peacefully at home in Mesquite, NM on Sunday, July 12, 2020. Born January 5, 1942 to Dorothy Marie Burbach and Herbert Eugene Killam in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Gene grew up a country boy who enjoyed working on green tractors (and only green ones!) in Waupun, WI. A very intelligent young man, after skipping eighth grade, Gene graduated Waupun High School in 1959. While attending The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Gene met Valeria (Val) Kathleen Holewinski and they married on August 12, 1961 thus beginning a lifelong example of love and faithfulness. Gene and Val welcomed Randall Eugene and Galen Mark into the family. While their family was growing Gene attended Michigan State University Veterinary School and graduated in 1966. In 1969, together, Gene and Val opened Provincial Animal Hospital in Neenah, WI and Gene extended his thoughtful consideration of others with family pets and farm animals. Gene's story continues when in 1982 the family packed up and moved to Hastings, New Zealand where he worked a government job to inspect the care of animals. Following their return to Wisconsin in 1984, Gene and Val resided in Neshkoro on a modest tree farm perfect for the collection and restoration of many John Deere tractors. Gene's hobby and love of John Deere tractors continued throughout his life as he and his brothers collected and restored many tractors for local enthusiasts and national collectors. Gene was careful in all his ways and was a pillar in his church community. Gene chose to serve God in January 1956 and was faithful in upholding his promise to our Heavenly Father. Gene and Val began hosting a bible study in their Wisconsin home for eleven years and a church meeting was also held in their Mesquite, NM home. Gene is survived by his wife Val, sons Randy (Kristie) Killam and Galen (Danica) Killam, siblings Allan (Delores) Killam, Mavis (Brent) Ransom, Doug (Jan) Killam, and his grandchildren Austin, Teagan, Oakley and Stephanie (Joel) Doland, and great-granddaughter Devyn Doland, and many additional nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Gene in his death are his parents, brother Roger (Carolyn) Killam, and nephew Rick Killam. A funeral service in Mesquite, NM is planned Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 1:30 pm at 3 Firehouse Road. Conference Call information is available for those who cannot attend in person. A second memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Baseman Building N. 2926 Jeskem Rd. Appleton, WI 54913. Conference Call information is available for those who cannot attend in person. A private graveside service will follow.