Eugene A. Manthey

Madison -- Gene Manthey died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2011 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on July 1, 1927 in Markesan, Wisconsin, to parents Lillie and Amandus Manthey. He was employed by the Milwaukee Road Railroad as well as the U.S. Postal Service for over 45 years. Gene was a musician almost his whole life beginning at the age of 12 when he played trumpet in his parents band. From then on, he played with various bands including the Shamrock Band, the Dick Sherwood Band, the Rice Family Band and the John K Duo. When the Dick Sherwood Band opened for Johnny Cash in the 60's, Johnny told Gene that he loved the sound of Gene's trumpet with country music so much that it inspired him to feature trumpet in his hit ""Burning Ring of Fire."" Gene's music gave great pleasure to many and after he retired in 1979, he continued to enjoy much of his recorded music and shared it all with friends and visitors. He was a terrific teller of jokes and had an amazing gift to remember hundreds of them. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Lewis (and wife, Faye). He is survived by his loving family, wife of 63 years, Lee; children, Kate (Shelby), Mike (Deb), Jan (Dan), Connie (Charles), Toni (Greg); grandchildren, Chris, James, Chelsea (Armondo); and great-grandchildren, Summer, Cayla, Karisa and Brody. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held on his 84^th birthday. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, 608-276-4660, http://www.hospicecare.com/