Eugene S. “Gene” Amundson

Eugene S. “Gene” Amundson, 84, of Janesville, passed away on July 22, 2016, at Rock Haven Nursing Home.  He was born July 15, 1932, the second of five children to Tilmen and Sadie (Olsen) Amundson in Beloit.

Gene attended a one-room school house and graduated from Orfordville High School in 1950.  He met the love of his life and married Geraldine “Gerri” Bumgarner of Janesville on February 12, 1953, at the Cargill UMC in Janesville.  Shortly after their marriage Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Gerri followed him and served as a secretary on base. Upon completion of his tour, they returned to Wisconsin.  Together they raised two sons.

Gene enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, and coaching his sons’ Babe Ruth Baseball Teams. He worked at the GM Plant in Janesville, serving in many capacities for 35 years.  Upon retirement, Gene and Gerri moved from their Manor Drive residence to their dream home on Middle Eau Claire Lake in Barnes, Wisconsin. They returned to Janesville, where they enjoyed connecting with friends, neighbors and family. In addition, for 27 years, they wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they were involved in many community activities and developed strong friendships.

Gene is survived by two sons, Mike (Mandi) Amundson of Grantsburg, Wisconsin and Jim (Kathy Johnson) Amundson of Janesville; three granddaughters; four grandsons; and six great-grandchildren. He is further survived by brothers, Virgil Amundson (Rosemary) of Beloit, Lyle Amundson (Bernice) of Orfordville, Don Amundson (Mary) of Kerrville, Texas; a sister, Donna Leuzinger, of Waukesha; many nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life Gerri, his parents, step-mother, Hazel Amundson, and step-brother, Harold Christianson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, July 28, at the Whitcomb-Lynch Funeral Home with Rev. Naomi Garber officiating.  Entombment will be at Milton Lawns Memorial Park.  A visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 7 at the Whitcomb-Lynch Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

A very special “thank you” to the La Hacienda Community of Apache Junction, Arizona, the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville, and the nursing staff at Rock Haven for the love and care given to Gene.