Gene was born July 24, 1943 in St Louis, MO, the son of Clarence E. and Madonna T. Schlueter Lemen. After graduating from Jerseyville High School in Jerseyville, IL, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. At a USO event at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, IL, he met the love of his life, Linda K. Gillette. They were married on November 7, 1964 in Chatsworth, IL.
Gene was later stationed at Air Force bases in Guam, Okinawa, California and finally at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs, where he was a Computer Operator at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, engaging in missile warning and space tracking for NORAD. A Vietnam War veteran, he proudly served his country for over 20 years of active duty. He volunteered with REACT, providing emergency weather information, first responder and search and rescue operations in the Colorado Springs area. As a resident of the Sunridge Retirement community, he found purpose in overseeing the operations of their country store, which will be renamed in his honor. Gene enjoyed fishing, remodeling, bowling and going on cruises. He was an animal lover who kept an assortment of furred, finned and feathered family members. He was a devoted husband and father who treasured spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Linda and his daughter Kristine, "Krissy" Lemen, both of Colorado Springs.
He was preceded in death by his father, who was killed in action in World War II, his mother and stepfather James Isringhausen, and his son Kevin Lemen.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cheyenne Village. https://cheyennevillage.org/
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