A resident of Plover, Wisconsin for the past 20 years, Gene Pope unexpectedly passed away on Friday, September 11.

Prior to moving to Plover, he lived in River Falls, Wisconsin for 23 years. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army for 22 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Carol (Ecklund) Pope, parents Grant and Viola Pope of Dorchester, Wisconsin, siblings Armin Pope, Dorchester, Wisconsin and Joyce Rae Pokallus (Clarence), Abbotsford, Wisconsin.

Gene is survived his brother, Kayo Pope (Mona), Stetsonville, Wisconsin, and two sons Gee Pope (Debbie) of Custer, Wisconsin and Nat Pope (Yu-Luen) of Bloomington, Illinois. Grandchildren: Grant Pope (Andrea), Sussex, Wisconsin, Ty Pope (Katie), Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Grey Pope (Marcie), Wauwautosa, Wisconsin, Logan Pope and Dakota Pope Bloomington, Illinois. Additionally, four great grandchildren: Hudson Pope, Griffin Pope, Lucy Pope, and Nina Pope.

Gene graduated from Medford (WI) High School in 1946. He entered the Army in that same year and served in numerous locations, such as Japan, Alaska, and Korea. During his service, he served primarily in the food service corps. He received the meritorious service award, the second highest peacetime medal given by the U.S. Armed Forces, for his actions during the 1966 Alaskan floods.

Gene was married in 1952 to Carol Ecklund of Medford, Wisconsin. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, enjoying his time with his family. More recently, he was well known in Plover for his beautiful flower gardens. He had a great love for birds and other wild life.

A Celebration of Life Service for Gene will be held at 1 PM on Friday September 18, 2015 at the Shuda Funeral Chapel in Stevens Point. Friends and family will gather to share memories from Noon Friday until the time of services at the funeral chapel.

Gene will always be remembered for his wry sense of humor and unique perspective on life – his neighbors often expressed their fondness for him. He will be sorely missed by his family.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.