Obit: Gurney, Eugene A. “Gene” (1940 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gurney, Kauffman, Eddy, Kugel, Miller, Roberts, Hosking

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 20 Jan 2015

Gurney, Eugene A. “Gene” (11 APR 1940 – 18 JAN 2015)

Gene Gurney, age 74, of Neillsville, WI died Sunday, January 18, 2015 in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI.

Eugene Allen Gurney was born on April 11, 1940 in Curtiss, WI the son of William "George" and Elma (Kauffman) Gurney. He attended Neillsville High School and then served in the United States National Guard from August 10, 1957 to December 15, 1975. He worked construction for Gaier's and Tesmer's and was united in marriage to Sue Eddy on October 18, 1980 in Neillsville. They lived in Hayward, WI for a short time, where Gene owned Gurney Block and Concrete Construction. There he built the buildings surrounding the World Fishing Hall of Fame. When they returned to Neillsville, he worked at the Nelson Muffler Factory and for 15 years drove semi-truck for Roehl Transport in Marshfield. He retired in 2002.

He is a member of the United Church of Christ in Neillsville and a member of the American Cribbage Congress. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, watching the Green Bay Packers, playing cards and woodworking. He made his family cabinets, night stands and a gun cabinet. Most of all though, Gene, loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, five children, Chris (Dave) Kugel of Winona, MN, Jim (significant other, Deb) Gurney of Neillsville, WI, Mary Jo (significant other, Joe) Warren of Loyal, WI, Jeff (Stephanie) Gurney of Neillsville, WI and Nickie (Bill) Miller of Loyal, WI, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, six siblings, Charles (Laura) Gurney of Sarasota, FL, Louie (Diane) Gurney of Neillsville, WI, Barbara (Steve) Roberts of Neillsville, WI, William Gurney of Neillsville, WI, Galen Gurney of Marshfield, WI and Nancy (Arthur) Hosking of Sheboygan, WI. Gene is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jerry and a sister, Lucille.

Funeral Services for Gene will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville. Pastor Jacoba Koppert will officiate. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Thursday at the United Church of Christ.

Honorary Casket Bearers are: Joe Holman, Randy Rendmeister and Brody Miller.

Casket Bearers are: Adam Rendmeister, Nicholas Rendmeister, Tony Holman, Shawn Warren Jr., Brian Eddy and Alex Slenczka.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Gene's family with Funeral arrangements.