Eugene J. "Gene" Frey, age 86, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, May 23, 2025. He was born on May 20, 1939 to Julius and Clara (Disterhaft) Frey in Fall River, WI.

Eugene was married to Constance (Connie) Frey (Hauge) on August 15, 1959.  They were married for 65 years, during which they had five children, 14 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

He had many interests in his life, and was always involving his children in his hobbies and entrepreneurial spirit.

Eugene had a love of gardening.  Every Saturday morning for many years you would find the entire Frey family set up on the Capitol Square in Madison, selling some of the most beautiful produce around!  His kids would show produce at the county fair through 4-H, and it was always award winning.  He continued his love of gardening much of his life, having a small garden at home into his 80's.

Eugene enjoyed the family hobby farm, where they raised peacocks, pheasants, chickens, ferrets, racoons, llamas, cattle, and even a pet Canadian goose.  He and Connie later went into raising llamas with their son Todd and his wife.  He had lots of fun delivering llama-grams to people's weddings, birthday parties, nursing homes, and participating in all the local parades.  He enjoyed travelling to llama shows all around the country, where he was so proud when his daughter, Gina, became the International Llama Queen.

Eugene had great talents in working with his hands creating beautiful, quality craftmanship.  He did home construction, loved woodworking, and later in his life enjoyed creating metal sculptures.  He loved teaching his children and grandchildren woodworking and, metal crafting, as well.  His children won many awards at the state and county fairs for their black walnut wood sculptures that he taught them to make.

Eugene's love of craftsmanship led to him and his son, Todd, opening Colonial Carriage Works, where they built and restored llama and horse drawn vehicles.

He cared about his Columbus community and wanted to see it thrive.  He was proud of his daughter Amy, as she also shared in that desire to promote Columbus, as Miss Columbus in her high school years.

He and his family also shared in an appreciation for restoring and preserving history.  They purchased and renovated many of the buildings in downtown Columbus over the course of his life.  His daughter, Janel, recently purchased one of those buildings to preserve the craftsmanship, history, and legacy of her family, and Eugene was so happy to see that happen.

One of his many hobbies was old car restoration, which he did often with his son, Darvin, and that passion of classic cars will carry on with him.

He lived a full life, with many interests and hobbies, and passed a beautiful legacy, and entrepreneurial spirit to his children that will live on through each one of them.

Gene is survived by his wife Connie Frey of Columbus; children: Darvin Frey of Middleton, Eugenia (Paul) Hees of Beaver Dam, Amy (Jason) Lauer of Waukesha, Janel (Michael) Voelker of Beaver Dam; 14 grandchildren: Ashlynn (Cauy) Beck, Alexis Goetsch, August Hees, Micah Hees, Gabi Hees, Otto Voelker, Mary Voelker, Jayden Koopmans, Piper Frey, Beckham Frey, Mackenzie Lauer, Garret Lauer, Karter Lauer, Graham Lauer; great grandchildren: Paisley, Colter; other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; son Todd; sisters Phyllis (Hamann) and Deloris (Behrendt); brothers-in-law Eugene Hamann and George Behrendt.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 6, 2025, with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church, Columbus. Rev. Andrew Perger will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to The Historical Society of Columbus in memory of Gene.

A special thank you to Dr. Rolf Poser – a cardiologist who gave Gene added years of quality life because of his expertise.  Dr. Sam Poser for outstanding day to day care.  To all the staff at Prairie Ridge Hospital, SSM Oncology in Columbus, and Bristol Hospice for their love, support, kindness, expertise, and compassion towards Gene.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Gene's family at https://www.jensenfuneralandcremation.com/