Gene Lew Edmundson, age 85, of rural Whitehall, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Gene was born on August 6, 1938 to Allen and Arlene (Bidney) Edmundson in Independence, in a house below Reservoir Hill. Gene graduated from the Whitehall High School in 1956. Gene served in the United States Air Force from November 27, 1956 to April 26, 1961. While in service, he attended the University of Purdue and the University of Oklahoma.

Gene had a number of jobs throughout his life. As a young man he worked at area farms prior to joining the Air Force. After his service he worked as a milk hauler, ran construction equipment for the Town of Pigeon with his dad, then worked for Trempealeau County. He then obtained his insurance license and sold insurance for Rural Mutual. After that time, he returned to the Town of Pigeon, then out to Wyoming on a construction crew. He returned to Wisconsin where he took a position in Quality Control with Ashley Furniture, then sold insurance for a short term until his final position at Golden Plump. Of all of his different jobs, he recalled working at the Town of Pigeon as his favorite.

Gene married Sonya Erickson and they later divorced. During their marriage, they had two children, Daniel Lee and Leah Ann. Gene loved his children more than anything and demonstrated it throughout their lives.

Gene was the family historian. His memory was astonishing with the knowledge of dates, names and places throughout his lifetime. He also had a great sense of humor and sharp wit. The grandkids especially enjoyed his humor and ability to keep everyone laughing. Even in his final days, he could joke around with his family, friends and medical teams.

Gene's faith was very important to him. Throughout his life he was active in the Lutheran Church, volunteered on the Church Council, taught Sunday School and was a Luther League Advisor. Gene enjoyed multiple youth gatherings, ski trips and sharing God's word with others.

Growing up, Gene enjoyed riding horses and playing baseball with friends and siblings. His passions included time with family, his faith, the Air Force, fishing, hunting and woodworking. He enjoyed watching the Brewers, Packers, Badgers and old westerns. Gene's siblings were very important and dear to him. Late in life, he learned how to use a smartphone and was able to facetime or call them daily.

Gene was a member of the Hutchin's-Stendahl American Legion Post #191. Gene will be greatly missed by his children, Daniel (Cheryl) Carrion, Leah Matchey (Brad Bautch); his grandchildren, Amanda Wolff, Benjamin (Alyssa) Carrion, Elisabeth (Cheyenne) Klopotowski, Austin (Courtney) Matchey, Jordan Matchey, Mercedes Matchey (Carson Wheeler), Jayden Matchey (Riley Schneider); his great grandchildren, James, Sawyer, Everly, Emma, Hailey, Mathew, Wyatt, Emmett, Scarlett and another great grandchild expected in February; a sister, Bonnie (Duane) Jarrett; a brother, Ron (Dorothy) Edmundson; and nieces and nephews, Rachael, Debra, Mike, Kim, Mark and Corey.

For the past 29 years, Gene and Gloria Hanvold shared companionship and created many memories together. He also had a great friendship with LaVerne Smikrud. They enjoyed time together and could spend hours solving all the world problems.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by a brother, Allen Edmundson; a sister-in-law, Shirley Edmundson; a nephew, Allen Edmundson; and a niece, Kari Edmundson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 11:00am in Peace Lutheran Church of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Greg Ofsdahl will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion Post #191.

To view livestream, go to: peacelutheranofpigeonfalls.org/livestream  The livestream will start about five minutes before the service and recording will remain on the website for a couple of weeks for those unable to watch live.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall.  Family and friends are encouraged to wear Packer, Brewer or Badger attire.  Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Gene's family would like to thank the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and Osseo and the VA in Tomah, especially in his last few months. The medical staff were compassionate, caring and went above and beyond at every moment of his care. They were a blessing to all of us during his final days.