Eugene Chausow passed on to eternal life at the age of 91 on Saturday, September 10, 2022 surrounded by his three sons.  Gene was unfailingly devoted to his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara (nee Rhoads), who preceded him in death on December 16, 2021.  He and Barbara had three sons, Daniel Gene (wife Beth with daughter Hannah), Douglas Dean (wife Jill with children Johanna, Caitlyn (husband Brandon Tewksbury) John (wife Kayla) and Cheyenne), and Stephen David (with children Stephanie, Casey and Riley).

Eugene was born in Chicago, the son of Russian emigrants who bravely came to America looking for a better life for their family.  Gene became an accomplished French horn player, pursuing music as a profession and receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music at Arizona State University.  He played horn professionally with the Phoenix Symphony and taught in the Department of Music at Arizona State for several years.  He also played with the National Symphony in Washington, DC.  During one such concert, he earned a standing ovation from President John F. Kennedy and Jackie.

After his years in Arizona, he returned to the Chicago area where he played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, and Broadway shows that played in Chicago area venues.  He was a member of the music faculty at Northwestern University and Roosevelt College. Through his expertise as a teacher, he helped several of his students along their path to becoming extremely accomplished professional horn players in their own right.

At home, Gene shared his love of golf and fishing with his wife and kids.  He spent many hours during the long, cold Chicago winters planning amazing summer family vacations. The memories of those vacations still bring great joy to his sons.

He and his loving eternal companion Barbara have left a wonderful legacy of love and devotion to kids and grandkids.

Gene also had a strong faith in God and his Savior Jesus Christ and was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He had great faith that, as he passed on, he would rejoin his companion Barbara and enjoy eternal life with her.  

There will be a brief memorial service Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7:00PM at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home – Menomonee Falls WI; N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave.

The service was recorded via zoom. Use the following link to view the recording. It will be available for one week following the date of the service.  Click here to view service recording.

Eugene will be privately laid to rest next to his wife Barbara at Paradise Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale, AZ.