Eugene 'Gene' Eric Nelson, 95, lifelong resident of Superior, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN with loving family by his side. Gene was born October 1, 1928, in Superior, WI to Harry and Viola (Jorgenson) Nelson.

Gene attended Superior's Central High School until he turned 18, at which point he obtained his GED in order to enlist in the United States Air Force. He served in occupied Japan from 1946 through 1949. On October 14, 1950, Gene was united in marriage to Beverly Sherlock, in Carlton, MN, and celebrated 73 beautiful years of marriage with her.

Gene was a longshoreman and foreman for Great Lakes Storage and worked on the harbor until his retirement in 1990. Upon retirement, Gene and Beverly enjoyed several years of travel, card games, and dinners with friends and family. He remained active and independent, taking tender care of his wife until his passing.

Gene was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be forever missed. He was meticulous in all he did, which was evident in everything from his garage and yard to his dresser drawers. But precision takes time, and his wife and family would often shake their heads at how sloooooowwwwly he would move (and eat). Family was important to him, and he always enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren. He welcomed them for a game of pinochle or smear, a backyard barbecue, holidays, or to watch the game. If you were fortunate enough to show up in the morning, he would often offer to fry bacon and eggs for breakfast - even at age 95! His lap was often occupied by a grandchild, great-grandchild, or one of the family's many cats. His hobbies over the years included gardening, woodworking, Sunday drives, golfing and watching sports. Gene was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. He rarely missed a game and equally praised and criticized his favorite teams. Well, maybe not equally….

Gene is survived by his wife, Beverly, Superior, WI; son, Robert (Cheryl) Nelson, New Richmond, WI; daughters: Kathy (Bruce) Swanson, Gordon, WI; Barbra (Scot) Milroy, Superior, WI; daughter-in-law Peggy Nelson, Superior, WI; sister, Millie Burgraff, Bossier City, LA; brother, Leroy (Judy) Nelson, Cloquet, MN; 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Kristi) Nelson, Aaron (Yula) Nelson, Brian (Andrea) Swanson, Cory (Nichole) Nelson, Ashley (Chris) Anderson, Alexandra (Ethan) Taylor, Hannah (Michael) Ritthaler, Noah Milroy, Grace Milroy, Kaitlyn (Zachary) Waring, and 10 great-grandchildren: Caden, Felix, Hunter, Paisley, Micah, Ronan, Hendrix, Azaleah, Walker, and Svea; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son William Nelson, and sister Evelyn Schafter.

A celebration of life will be held at the Billings Park Civic Center, 3903 N 18th Street, Superior, WI on Saturday, February 24 at 12:00 pm. Family and friends are encouraged to come share stories and a meal in remembrance of Gene. Burial will be at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery.