Gene Roger Rogne

Gene Rogne, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and child of God.

Gene Rogne of Minocqua, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024 at the age of 86. His daughter, Amy, was at his side at the time of his passing. Gene was a kind, gentle man that loved helping his family and friends in any way he could. He will be dearly missed by the many people he touched during his lifetime.

Gene was born on the family farm near Valders, on June 23, 1937 to Oscar and Helen Rogne. He was oldest of five children and lived on the farm until he left home after high school. He had fond memories of his life on the farm, often reminiscing about his horse Silver, who he would ride “all day long.” It was also during this upbringing that he developed an interest in large machinery, most notably tractors and large trucks.

After graduating from Valders High School in 1955, Gene joined the army with the ROTC program and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. After one year, he decided to leave the program and follow in his father’s footsteps to join the Manitowoc County Highway Department, where he worked for 40 years until his retirement in 1996.

Gene married Judy Ann Popelar of Mishicot on September 8, 1962. They lived near Newton, and were blessed with three children. During their time in rural Newton, he enjoyed caring for the property, planting trees, gardening, mowing the lawn and creating a campsite in the back woods. He also enjoyed family camping and fishing trips to Drummond, and other areas around the state. He especially enjoyed the annual “Mystery Weekend” each year with their friends.

After retirement, Gene and Judy moved to Minocqua, where they lived on a beautiful 12-acre wooded property. They quickly became involved in the community, joining Ascension Lutheran Church and the Forest Riders Snowmobile Club. Gene put his snow clearing skills to work by serving as a trail groomer for over 10 years. He created great friendships with the neighbors and spent many hours helping them with various projects, especially snow removal with his beloved John Deere tractor. He also spent many hours in his woodshop making crafts and other creations.

For the past three years, Gene lived at Milestone Senior Living in Woodruff. At this facility, Gene was able to get the care he needed and live comfortably. The staff at Milestone did a tremendous job with his care.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Helen Rogne, his brother Darrell Rogne, his sister Signe Burkart, sister-in-law Mary Rogne and brother-in-law Bud Delgman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy Rogne, his brother Ronald (Betts) Rogne of Ramsey, Minn., his sister Sonja Delgman of Grafton, brother-in-law Mike Burkart of New Holstein, two daughters, Lisa (Mike) Bruehl of Manitowoc, and Amy (Paul) Pflieger of Minocqua, son Mark (Sue) Rogne of Manitowoc, eight grandchildren, Michael Emond of Manitowoc, Adam Rogne of Manitowoc, Melissa Emond of Peshtigo, Evan (Megan) Pflieger of Minocqua, Jacob Rogne of Littleton, Colo., Kelsey (Trent) McClure of Austin, Texas, Mason Pflieger of Minneapolis, Minn. and Emily Rogne of Manitowoc, and nine great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7937 US Hwy 51, Minocqua, WI 54548. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church and a lunch reception will immediately follow the service.

Gene will be interred at Knollwood Memorial Park, Manitowoc.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.