Gene J. Kelleher, 86, of Superior, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, November 11, 2013 at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth.

He was born September 22, 1927 in Superior, son of Jerome and Clara (Jensen) Kelleher.

Gene proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in France.

On May 4, 1957, in Superior, Doris L. Osen and Gene J. Kelleher were united in marriage.

His work history included the Russell Creamery and the Burlington Northern Railroad.

He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church and the church choir.

His love for family and anyone who met him was a testimony of his Christian faith.
He brightened the lives of those who knew him and those who met him for the first time.

For many years, Gene was a musician with various local groups including, The Duals and the Church Mice. He also played with Frankie Cox at Tony's Cabaret and was part of the music ministry at St. Francis Home in the Park. He played the drums, harmonica and garbage can bass. Gene built three garbage can bass's.

He enjoyed cheering for the Green Bay Packers, making balsa wood model airplanes, working in his garage, welding outside of his garage, and helping the neighborhood kids repair their bicycles.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Daniel Stierns; daughter-in-law, Sharon Stierns; and brothers, Merle, Jack and Jerry Kelleher.

Survivors include his wife of 56years, Doris; sons, Jeffrey (Rebecca Blake) Kelleher, Steven (Laurie) Kelleher, and Curtis (Lori) Kelleher, all of Superior; daughter, Cathy (Shawn) Gilson, Shawano, WI; 15 grandchildren, Melinda Stierns, Cloquet, MN, Adam, Linda, Joseph, Annalee, Rachael, Hannah, Kali, Ashley, and Ryan Kelleher, all of Superior, Sara (Bryan) Koop, Minneapolis, MN, Rebecca (Greg) Trettin, Superior, and Seth, Shayla, and Kyra Gilson, all of Shawano, WI; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Robert (Dorothy) Kelleher, Bennett, WI, Kenneth (Marie) Kelleher and David (Phyllis) Kelleher, both of Superior; sister-in-law, Nancy Kelleher, South Range, WI, aunt, Ethel Edwards, Superior; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, and will resume at noon until the 1 p.m. service, Thursday, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1708 John Avenue, Superior. Pastor Ashley Nicolls will officiate.

Following the benediction at the church, military rites will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post # 435.

Active pallbearers will be Joseph, Ryan, Adam and Larry Kelleher, Greg Trettin and Seth Gilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert, Kenneth and David Kelleher.

Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Superior, at a later date.