Gene Willson

Gene Willson passed away peacefully at his home on March 14, 2024. Gene was born December 4, 1943, to Earl and Cappie (Laufer) Willson.

He graduated from Reubens High School in 1962. This was the last class to graduate from Reubens. After graduation Gene began helping on the family ranch and continued to do so up until his death.

Gene loved Caterpillar farm tractors. He still has his 1955, 9U-D6 parked in the shed. He enjoyed cattle and in his younger days was quite the horseman. Always looking for a horse that rode smooth. From a young age he was a good mechanic and could fix just about anything motorized. The last 40 years Gene began reading and liked “nun-fiction” books. Genealogy, old pictures, and history were other hobbies he enjoyed. Gene loved all things Reubens. It was his town!

He and Marilyn Lage were married in 1968. This marriage may have ended but Gene was blessed with three children, JeAnn, Jody, and Shelby.

His greatest joy was his grandchildren, whether it was sports, 4-H, graduations, working alongside, visiting with, or passing out treats. They were his everything. It was very evident when entering his home, as it was a shrine of each and every one of them.

Gene is survived by his three children, JeAnn (Steve) Willson, Jody (Chris) Ball, and Shelby (Kristen) Willson. His brother Gary is also still living. The apples of his eye, grandchildren, include Hailey (Anthony) Bennett, Colton, Megan, and Carlie Ball, Harlan and Cappie Skelton, and Clayton, Ridge, and Taya Willson, as well as his great-grandson Oliver Bennett.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Reuben’s Community Church at 1 PM. Followed by a graveside service at the Reuben’s Cemetery. A covered dish lunch will be held at the Reuben’s Community Center. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Reuben’s Community Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.

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