Eugene "Gene" Wilmesmeier, 79, of Wever, Iowa passed away in Rapid City, South Dakota on July 21 ^st , 2020 after a long illness.

Gene was born on the family farm in Fort Madison, Iowa on March 21 ^st , 1941. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1959.

Gene married Karen Susan Hitch on August 24 ^th , 1974; they were married for 45 years. They had known each other all their lives but their courtship began at a Thanksgiving church "feather" party where bingo players won a chicken or turkey.

After working the family farm, Gene worked as a salesman for Building Materials Inc for thirty years. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, raising chickens, and spending time with his grandsons. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and passed that love on to his children.  He was a member of the Wever Volunteer Fire Department, the Aquinas School Board, and the Aquinas God's Portion Day Committee.  He was a member of both the St. Joseph and St. Mary parishes.

Gene is survived by his wife Karen, his children, Bonnie Wilmesmeier, Rapid City, South Dakota, Jan (John) Johnson, Rapid City, South Dakota, and Scott (Sara) Wilmesmeier, Killduff, Iowa; three grandsons Blake Wilmesmeier, Tyson Wilmesmeier, and Henry Johnson.  He is also survived by his sister, Martha (Wilmesmeier) Luttenegger, Fort Madison, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Joseph Wilmesmeier and Clara Matilda (Fraise) Wilmesmeier and an infant daughter.

Socially distant visitation at St. Mary's Catholic Church Monday, July 27 ^th starting at 10 am and followed by funeral mass at 11am. Grave site service at Hilcrest Cemetery immediately following. Face masks highly recommended.

Condolences may be sent to: Karen Wilmesmeier 2916 Elderberry Blvd, Rapid City, South Dakota 57703.