Eugene Pramenko, 91, died peacefully at the Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, Wisconsin on September 14, 2022.  Eugene was born on August 23, 1931 in Milwaukee to the late Samuel and Anna Pramenko (nee Pinter).  He was graduated from Rufus King High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). While in college, Eugene founded the Society of Automotive Engineers chapter at MSOE and remained very engaged as an alum.   Through mutual friends, he met his wife, Sei Mandai of Kobe, Japan, and they married on December 18, 1960.

Eugene was an accomplished musician (piano, accordion, French horn and trombone) and performed with a variety of groups throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany.  He was a trombone player in the Army Band. Eugene was an engaged and proud Veteran and supported both the VFW and American Legion. He played Dixieland with world renowned trumpeter, Dick Ruedebusch and the “Underprivileged Five” at the Tunnel Inn, now known as the Safe House.  He played with the Milwaukee Big Band “In the Mood” as well as the “One More Time Band.”

His employment included engineering positions at Allis-Chalmers, Rexnord, Harnischfeger (P&H) and positions with the Milwaukee Public Schools.

Eugene was an active Mason belonging to Myron Reed Lodge No. 297.  He was a passionate student of history and loved his Ford cars.  He was a long-time member of the Classic Thunderbird Club of Wisconsin and the Early Ford V-8 Club.  He and his wife were active members of the Japanese American Citizens League and Ikebana International Chapter #22.  In the early 1980s, Eugene started taking Chinese language classes and progressed quickly.  He ultimately taught Chinese for over 30 years at a variety of places including Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), the Milwaukee School of Languages, and Hamilton High School.

Eugene was the loving father of William (Ellen), Mei (Bruce) Cobb, Frederick (Gina), and Alexander (Jennifer). He is also survived by ten grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Underwood Memorial Baptist Church, 1916 N. Wauwatosa Avenue in Wauwatosa.  Friends may visit with the family starting at 1:30 p.m. and a reception will follow afterwards at the church.  Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery in North Lake, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Eugene’s name to Underwood Memorial Baptist Church, 1916 N. Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI  53213.