‘Gene’ Halski (9-28-11)

Eugene “Gene” Halski, 91, died peacefully Wednesday September 28, 2011 at his assisted living residence in Athens.

Listening to his polkas, he was surrounded by loving family and many caring staff of Silverleaf.

Born in Makew, Ukraine on December 25, 1919, he was the son of Ivan and Anastasia Huzhalsky . He immigrated to the United States in 1950 by way of Germany, where he resided after World War II ending as a displaced person at Camp Lysenko. He met and married Lisa Shabkov at the camp. Through the Lutheran Church Eugene and his family, including their three-year-old son, Walton, were sponsored to come to Georgia in September 1950. They ultimately settled in Georgia buying a small farm in Talmo. They became American citizens and built a cattle and broiler farm business. Gene was passionate about living and dancing. After working hard, he loved any opportunity to dance. He was said to be the best polka dancer in Georgia and ladies would wait in line to dance with him.

Gene is lovingly survived by four children, sons, Walton Halski (Peggy), Alto, and Toni Halski, Sanibel Island; daughters, Wanda Neislar (Ron), Athens, and Sweetlana Stewart (Dean), Kennesaw; grandchildren, Lisa Halski, Lewis Halski, Ranie Neislar Hayes, Lindsey Neislar, Glen Stewart, Alex Stewart, Ellen Stewart, and Hayley Halski; and three great-grandchildren; a longtime companion, Rosemary Woodel; and the mother of his children, Lisa Halski.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1, at 11 a.m. in the Talmo Baptist Church with the Rev. Lee McNeil officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday evening, Sept.30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to your favorite charity or the Alzheimer’s Association-Georgia Chapter, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.