Eugene Howard Close, 88, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Jan. 28, 2024.
He was a resident of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Webster, Wisconsin. Gene was born on Aug. 20, 1935, in Colfax, Wisconsin, to Steve and Mildred (Brown) Close. After graduating from Colfax High School in 1954, he started working for West Publishing, with a two-year stint in the United States Army. Gene began his career in the mailroom at West Publishing and worked his way up to an executive position, where he worked for over 40 years. In 1959, Gene married Darlene Ann Walters and settled in North St. Paul, where they had three children: Bryan, Greg and Ellie. During his time in North St. Paul, Gene was actively involved in sports, playing baseball and softball, and coaching football, hockey and baseball for the North St. Paul Athletic Association for 20 years. He also enjoyed bowling, golf (he got a hole-in-one at age 80!), card club and golf groups with his wife Dar. In 1995, Gene retired and spent his time between their Wisconsin cabin and Florida home, enjoying time and travel with friends and family.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Mildred (Brown) Close; sister, Luella (Chris) Belz; brothers, Curt (Punky) Close, George (Pat) Close, Steve Close, Kenny Close; and brother-in-law, Jim Rude.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Darlene; his sister, Jane Rude; sisters-in-law, Janet and Joan Close; his children, Bryan Close, Greg (Robin) Close, and Ellie (Mike) McCarty; grandchildren, Tara (Heather) Close, Kadie (Brandon) Rohr, Kyle (Angela) Close, Kelsie (Shaun) Summer, Jordan McCarty, and Alexis McCarty; four-and-one-half great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A visitation will take place on Friday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in North St. Paul, followed by a funeral service at noon. A burial ceremony with military honors at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in White Bear Lake will follow the service. Lunch will be served after the burial ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an organization of your choice in Gene’s name.
