January 18, 1951 - March 18, 2018

Gene Warren Edberg of Spooner, died on Sunday, March 18, 2018, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Gene was born on January 18, 1951, in Duluth to Martha (Markwardt) and Carl Edberg and grew up in Duluth. He attended Gneson Elementary School and Washington Jr. High and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1969. He joined the U.S. Army and served two tours in Vietnam in the 129th Assault Helicopter Company for helicopter maintenance and recovery before being discharged in 1972.

Gene married Debora Korby in Duluth in 1973. He attended Vermillion Community College, graduating with an associates degree in conservation technology. He and his family (son Dale, daughter Melissa, and daughter Tara) resided in Tower, Minnesota, Virginia, Minnesota, Levittown, Pennsylvania, Eau Claire, and retired to Spooner, where they created countless cherished friendships. Gene worked at Fabco Caterpillar for 20 years, retiring in 2009.

Gene was known for his hard work, courage, dedication to family, perseverance, bravery, and his ability to find humor every day.

He was a dedicated member of AmVets, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a devoted member of the Spooner Honor Guard supporting honors for over 500 veterans.

Deb and Gene enjoyed many travels in the past several years (Antigua; Mexico; St. Maarten; Sedona, Arizona; San Diego, California; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Dayton Beach, Florida; and Branson, Missouri). Gene truly loved his family and valued his time with them. He especially enjoyed being a father and a “Papa.” Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, and particularly loved camping trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Gene is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debora; son Dale (Bobbi) of Savage, Minnesota; daughter Melissa Northwood of LaCrosse and Tara (Robert) Widner of Ankeny, Iowa; and grandchildren Amelia, Ryan, and Quinten Northwood and Lexa and Kiara Edberg. He is also survived by sister Margaret Gates and brothers Karl, Earl (Margaret), Marvin, and Roger Edberg, all of Duluth; numerous nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law Louise Evans and Carol Korby Battleson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Karen Cole and Betty Cole; brother Ralph Edberg; father-in-law and mother-in-law LeRoy and Carolyn Korby; brother-in-law Stephen Korby; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spooner, and services will be held at the church at noon on Saturday, March 24, including military honors with a visitation held for one hour prior, and a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m. at Twin Oaks Bar & Grill.

Interment will be held at a later date at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:44 pm CST