Obituary of Eugene Howard Close

Eugene Howard Close passed away peacefully with his family on January 28, 2024, at the age of 88. He was a resident of Bonita Springs, FL, and Webster, WI.

Gene was born on August 20, 1935, in Colfax, WI, 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 1958, 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 WI 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, and brothers Curt (Punky) Close, George (Pat) Close, Steve Close, Kenny Close, and his in-laws Albert and Helen (Weinke) Walters, brother-in-law Jim Rude and Harold Walters. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Darlene; his sister Jane Rude, and in-law’s Janet and Joan Close, Judy Walters, Jack and Janice Nelson, Bob Walters, Jeff Walters, and Connie (Walters) Gumm; 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; 4 1/2 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will take place on February 9 from 10 am-12 pm at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in North St. Paul, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. A burial ceremony with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in White Bear Lake will follow the service. Lunch will be served after the burial ceremony at the North St. Paul American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an organization of your choice in Gene’s name