Eugene (Gene) James Wizer, of Lake Oswego, was born on August 2, 1938 in Portland, Oregon to James and Helen Wizer. Gene attended St. Agatha School, followed by Columbia Prep (until it closed) and Central Catholic. He then attended the University of Portland, where he earned his degree in accounting in 1960. Gene grew up in the grocery business working alongside his father, Jim, at Wizer’s Fine Foods. In 1968, Gene married Janet Feider. They made their home in Lake Oswego, where they raised their three daughters.

As the owner and small business operator of Wizer’s Fine Foods, Gene was committed to supporting local small businesses. Whether it was offering valuable shelf space for a new product or simple advice, it was his support of burgeoning entrepreneurs that provided him great reward. A friendly handshake, a warm smile, and a humble demeanor defined his life and his business. In 1991 Gene expanded Wizer’s Fine Foods by opening a second store in Lake Grove. Quality and service were the foundations upon which Gene operated Wizer’s. It was his unconditional support of the community, his selfless approach to life and his unending care of those whom he came in contact with which earned the loyalty of generations of families, customers, and friends in Lake Oswego.

Gene was not only a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, but held a strong faith and devotion to the community. Gene enjoyed serving his neighbors in a variety of ways. His involvement in the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lakewood Center, Oswego Heritage Council, the Lyon’s 4th of July pancake breakfast, numerous Catholic education programs, and civic enterprises exemplified his commitment to service and giving back to the community he loved. In 1996, Gene was elected to the University of Portland’s Board of Regents. In 2008, the University bestowed on him a honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his business acumen as well as his life long devotion to Catholic education and community service.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Janet; sister Shirley Wizer; daughter Sara Lamon and son-in-law Chris of Roswell, GA; daughter Suzanne Wizer of Lake Oswego; daughter Kim Wizer of Portland; and grandchildren Madeline, Olivia, and Alex.

The Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego on Monday, December 28th at 7pm. A funeral mass celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 11am on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gene Wizer to St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of the Lake, or University of Portland.