Eugene Halski

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Eugene "Gene" Halski, age 91, who 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 to Ivan and Anastasia Huzhalsky on December 25,1919 he emigrated 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 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; ladies would wait in line to dance with him.

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

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 11:00am in the Talmo Baptist Church with Rev. Lee McNeil officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday evening, Sept.30, 2011 from 6-8pm 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, Georgia 30346. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, Georgia 706-367-5467.

Online Condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com