"Our deepest sympathies to Pat and all the family. Gene was always a great friend and full of smiles. He will be greatly missed by everyone. "
In loving memory of
Eugene Hall Denison
April 18, 1935 - April 4, 2019
North English- Eugene (Gene) Hall Denison died April 4, 2019 at the English Valley Care Center in North English, after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 18, 1935 to Earl & Maud (Hall) Denison near North English, Iowa. Gene attended Hinkletown School from K-3rd grades. When the family moved to North English in 1944, he attended the North English Public Schools and graduated in 1953. He loved sports and participated in basketball, baseball, football and track. Later in life, golf was his passion.
Gene worked at Johnsons Locker for 15 years, Denison Brothers Well-Drilling and Pump Repair as co-owner with his brother Wilford Denison for 5 years, Amana Refrigeration as an OEM sales rep for 12 years and the University of Iowa, as an area maintenance mechanic, retiring in 1977 after 20 years.
Gene was one of the original members of Knoll Ridge Country Club, serving as a president and board member. He served on the North English Fire Department and was an active member of the North English Jaycees. Gene was a member of the Boys and Girls Athletic Association as an official referee. He ran the scoreboard clock at E.V. Schools for over 50 years, as well as preparing for and officiating at many school sporting events. He loved to keep busy!
Gene was united in marriage to Patricia (Pat) Ann McNally at St. Joseph Catholic Church in North English on August 13, 1960. He enjoyed playing golf, helping out at the EV School and Knoll Ridge Country Club, helping friends with projects and most of all spending time with family and friends.
Gene is survived by his wife Pat of 58 years; two daughters Deanne (Dan) Cornelison of Van Meter and Doreen Ferris of North English; six grandchildren Max (Alyssa) Cornelison, Chase Ferris, Cole Ferris, Molly Cornelison, Jessica Drake and Chelsea Wright; seven great grandchildren Leila Cornelison, Falynn Ferris, Tristan, Mason & Kael Drake and Olive & Magnolia Wright; two sisters Darlene Sissel of Cedar Rapids and Janice (Marvin ) Shirley of Minburn; a brother Larry (Susan) Denison of Iowa City; a sister-in-law Andrea Bartels; three brothers-in-law Jim McNally, Tom Acciavatti and Tony Acciavatti; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Wilford and Dyle Denison; a son-in-law Scott Ferris; brother-in-law John Sissel; sister-in-law Betty Denison and a niece Marla Denison.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, April 8, 2019 at Gene's Gym- English Valleys High School in North English. Pastor Luke Caster and Al Ling will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday prior to services from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at gym. Memorials are for English Valleys Athletics, English Valleys Community Scholarship Foundation, the North English First Responders and Essence of Life Hospice. The family welcomes you to wear your favorite EV Bears or Iowa Hawkeyes apparel for Gene's services. Powell Funeral Home in North English is caring for Gene and his family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"Dear Pat and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Gene. Many memories of the two of you and your girls come flooding back as I think of the many years gone by. Bruce was so very fond of him and always smiled when remembering the times they had together. They are the things that will always keep them near to us. Having lost Bruce almost 13 years ago, I speak from experience. I miis hm every day. I appreciate the contact that I continue to have with North English as one by one we loose another love one. Please give everyone my big hello and remember you never loose those whom you cease to love. My sympathy always. Alyce"
"My deepest condolences to the Denison Family on the lost of your dear loved one may you find comfort in knowing that God is close to the broken hearted, he saves those who are crushed in spirit and he comforts those in times of sorrow (Psalm 34:18)"
"May the words at 1 Corinthians 15:26 be of comfort to the friends and family of Eugene, where it says "the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing.""
"Pat, Deanne, and Doreen, so sorry for your loss. Shellie Knipfer-McClellan"
"Pat, Deanne and Doreen, I?m so sorry for your great loss. My sympathies and hugs of comfort are yours. May you treasure every memory forever. Anita Montross Koopmans"