Eugene John Waldera Jr. ("JR"), of Blair, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center–Eau Claire due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 57 years old.

JR was born on June 24, 1969, in Mondovi, Wisconsin, to Beverly "Meyer" Waldera and Eugene Waldera Sr. He graduated from Blair High School with the Class of 1989. In 1993, he married Alisa Rockenback. Later that year they welcomed their son, Dusty. Alisa and JR later divorced.

A proud third-generation truck driver, JR dedicated 37 years of his life to the trucking industry. During that time, he spent several years living in Nebraska, where he built many lifelong friendships that he treasured for the rest of his life. Eventually, he returned to his hometown of Blair, where he continued his trucking career. Ultimately passing his legacy down to his son.

Throughout the years, he also owned several local tavern establishments, including The Wander Inn in Rock Dam, The Hotel Tap in Independence, and the West End Bar in Blair.

JR had a passion for life and never met a stranger. He loved cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers every football season, riding his Harley-Davidson, hunting, camping with the lifelong friends he made while living in Nebraska, grilling his famous pork steaks, attending truck pulls, and spending time helping Dusty work on trucks. He was always the life of the party, never missing an opportunity to dance—especially when polka music was playing—and was always encouraging others to join him on the dance floor. Above all, JR was a devoted family man who always made time to visit and stay connected with those he loved.

His greatest joy in life was becoming "Grandpa." He treasured every moment spent spoiling his granddaughters, Charlotte ("Schatzi") and Nora ("Shiloh"), with golf cart rides, candy, and countless memories. One of his favorite traditions was gathering with family for weekly dinners and catching up on everyone's lives.

JR is survived by his son, Dusty (Felicia) Waldera; his beloved granddaughters, Charlotte and Nora Waldera; his mother, Beverly Waldera; his sisters, Heidi (Scott) Pieper and Darlene Waldera; his nephews, Mitchell Stegerwald and Eli Pieper; his beloved fur-son, Badger; as well as many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Waldera Sr.; his brother, Keith Waldera; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

JR fought a courageous two-year battle with Stage IV pancreatic cancer with strength and determination. His laughter, stubbornness, and most importantly his love for family and friends will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Taylor Rod & Gun Club. Please join us in wearing Wisconsin Badgers attire to celebrate JR's life and honor his memory.