OSHKOSH, Wis.- Harold G. "Gene" Drecktrah, age 87, passed away at his home on Tuesday (Jan. 13).

Gene joined UW-Oshkosh in 1966 where he held multiple positions until his retirement in 2002. He was a professor, associate dean, co-chair of the biology/microbiology department, active researcher and curated the UW-O insect collection.

Gene was an avid Titans fan and supported all the men's and women's teams. He was a proud member of the Titan Booster Club, bartender for the University Club and an active member of the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee for many years, including a stint as the chair of the committee. One of his proudest accomplishments was being part of the UW-Oshkosh Foundation board of directors. It was there he was able to contribute to the overall growth and direction of UW-Oshkosh, including the establishment of multiple scholarships in education and biology.

Gene led an active and adventurous life filled with travel both domestic and international. Many summers were spent crisscrossing the states on extended camping road trips with his family. His love of craft beer may have only been topped by his passion for insects, and both interests were satisfied throughout his travels in Wisconsin and beyond. Being an avid sports fan, he closely followed all his hometown teams; the Packers, Bucks and Brewers. Later in life he rediscovered his love for cars and took much pleasure in driving and showing his classic cars.

Gene was born to the late Harold W. and Ella (Christopherson) Drecktrah on November 1, 1938 in West Salem. Gene married his high school sweetheart Mary Schomberg on June 30, 1962. Gene graduated high school in 1956, received his bachelor's degree from UW-La Crosse in 1961, then completed his PhD at Iowa State University in 1965.

Gene is survived by his sister Anne, his two sons, David (Jessica) and Daniel (Liz) Drecktrah and two grandchildren Lucy and Brock. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary in 2002.

A celebration of Gene's life was held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes in Oshkosh on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UW-Oshkosh Scholarship Program in memory of Gene.