Racine – Henry E. "Gene" Hyde, 83, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints on Tuesday, October 19, 2010. Gene was born in Oxford, NC on April 27, 1927 to Thomas and Anna Belle (nee, Cutts) Hyde. He married the former Ione J. Matton on December 19, 1978. Gene was known as the "Whistler". You could hear him whistling as he walked the halls at the Parkview Apartments and while working in lawn care around Oakdale Estates. Gene was an avid NASCAR and Packers fan and always enjoyed his McDonalds coffee. Gene retired from Bucyrus-Erie in South Milwaukee. Gene is survived by his wife, Ione, J. Hyde; children, Jonathan (Linda) Hyde, Jodi (Tom) Klante, Bonita (David Baker) Smith, Kristine Mahdik and Tom Hyde; grandchildren, Dennis Roushia, Jacob Ferraro, Jeremy, T.J. and Matthew Klante, April Hyde, John (Char) Smith, Kelly (Joe) Church, Bobby Mahdik and David McGough; great-grandchildren, Hana Nicole, Melissa, Mindy and Michael; and his sisters, Nellie Howard and Lilly Grissum. Gene is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Mike Hyde. A memorial service for Gene will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 1 p.m. with Daniel Petersen officiating. In keeping with Gene's wishes, cremation has taken place and entombment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be directed to Grace church or the family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Wheaton Franciscan All Saints 2 D and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for all of their care and compassion. A very special thanks to Kelly, who dedicated herself to the care of her grandfather during his illness. Her loving care will always be remembered by our family.