Eugene "Gene" A. Wilkens

Gene was born on June 30, 1942, and was originally from Morrison, Illinois. He later made his home in Firestone, Colorado, where he had lived since 2004.

Throughout his working years, Gene was employed by Drives Inc. and GoodEnough Dairy before beginning a long career with General Electric. He retired from GE after 34 years of dedicated service. Gene truly enjoyed his work, but what he valued most were the people he worked alongside and the friendships he formed with his coworkers over the years.

On June 1, 1986, Gene married Elaine Book. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, love, and companionship.

Gene had a deep love for Estes Park and the Colorado mountains. He treasured time spent in the mountains and, above all, time with his family. His family was an important part of his life, and the memories they shared with him will remain deeply cherished.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; his sons Kevin, Doug (Sherry), Todd (Susan), Ryan (Shelley), and Jason; his daughters Lisa Tegeler (Tim) and Reesa; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius H. Wilkens and Inez Houzenga; his infant brother, Baby Boy Wilkens, who was stillborn; his brothers, Robert Wilkens and Jim Wilkens; his sister, Norma Pape; and his grandson, Riley Wilkens.

Gene will be remembered for the life he built, the relationships he treasured, and the love he had for his family. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through the many generations of family he leaves behind.

Gene will be cremated, and no funeral or memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in his memory.