Eugene Earl (Gene) Nevermann died February 18, 2018 at Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa. He was born September 29, 1934 to Clarence and Frances (Miller) Nevermann in Giard, Iowa at the home of his grandparents, Frank and Clara Miller. Gene was baptized on October 28, 1934 by Rev. A. Daugs and confirmed May 16, 1948 by Rev. R.C. Schlueter at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa.
Gene attended the Vlazny Rural School in Giard township and graduated from Monona High School in 1952.
Gene was united in marriage with Marion Kadlec on June 13, 1953. Two sons were born to this union, Richard and Kim. On April 14, 1966, Gene married Beverly “Bunnie” Ellenbolt Pape. To this union one daughter, Melanie, was born.
After working a short time for Bernhard and McCune Surge, Gene started working for Interstate Power Co. in 1953. He worked there for 41 years, retiring in December, 1994. After retirement, Gene worked for Schultz Funeral Home.
Gene spent many years volunteering for his hometown of Monona, a community he was very proud of. He served for 32 years on the Monona Fire Dept. During this time he served as Assistant Chief for 10 years and Chief for 10 years. Gene was active with the M-F-L Ambulance Service, where he served as an EMT and Chairman of the Board. Other community activities Gene was involved with were Monona Enterprises Inc. (secretary), Kiwanis Club, Commercial Club, and Monona Jaycees (charter member). In 1971, he was named “Boss of the Year” by the Monona Jaycees. Gene was very active with the Monona Community Betterment Club. While he was a member, Monona won first place, six years in succession, at state competition. In 1982, while Gene was a member, Monona won the Governor’s Trophy for the outstanding community in Iowa. In 1979, Gene was presented the Governor’s Leadership Award, for outstanding community service, by Governor Robert D. Ray. Gene served 18 years on the Monona City Council and 4 years as mayor.
Gene served on several county boards including 911 Board, County Communication Board, County EMS Board and Clayton County Fireman’s Association (secretary).
While a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Gene served on the Worship Committee, St. Paul Scholarship Committee, Church Council, and was Chairman of the Congregation from 1987-1988. Gene also served as an usher for church services and funerals. Gene and Bunnie joined Faith Lutheran in 2011. Gene’s deep faith served him well. He was a very caring, dedicated person, who gave of himself to help others.
Gene received a fitting award as the “Citizen of the Day” at the Clayton County Fair in August, 2017 for his many years of dedication to his community and county. The Clayton County Fair was always a favorite of his that he looked forward to attending each year.
Gene and Bunnie loved traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri. Gene was an avid country music fan. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking his grandsons, Colin and Carter, mushroom hunting, berry picking and fishing. He thoroughly enjoyed their music concerts, especially the Charles City Community Band concerts in which Melanie’s entire family performed.
In 2011, Gene’s health began to fail. He went on kidney dialysis three days a week. In 2012, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which lead to other complications.
Gene is survived by his wife Bunnie, two sons: Richard of Prescott Valley, Arizona and Kim of Los Angeles, California, one daughter, Melanie (Eric Johanningmeier) of Charles City, Iowa and two grandsons, Colin and Carter Johanningmeier of Charles City, Iowa, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Dixie Palmer of Monona, Iowa and one nephew, Darrin Palmer of Monona, Iowa.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Frances Nevermann, his stepfather Oscar Beckett, grandparents Frank and Clara Miller and Fred and Minnie Nevermann.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa with Rev. Mel Harris as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Monona, Iowa
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements