Eugene “Gene” Wayne Bondioli, age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home, under the care of Compassus Hospice. He was surrounded by his three daughters and faithful companion, Stormy.
Eugene was born on June 16, 1943, in Merrill, to the late Geno and Margaret (Lindstrom) Bondioli. He was raised in Merrill and graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1961. Eugene was awarded a football scholarship from and attended the University of Montana for a short time. On March 3, 1962, Eugene married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Gloria Nelson, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. They were blessed with three daughters. During their many years together, Eugene and Gloria enjoyed traveling, card club, and watching Young and the Restless. Sadly, Gloria passed away on May 9, 2023.
In 2002, after 38 years, Eugene retired from Wisconsin Public Service where he was a Gas and Electric Supervisor. Eugene loved sports. An all-around athlete in high school, Eugene funneled his passion for sports into coaching. He spent many years coaching little league baseball, little league softball and middle school basketball. He was honored to have the opportunity to teach, to guide and to support those lucky enough to be on his team. During his free time, Eugene cherished the time he spent outside bird watching and walking his dog. He was an avid deer hunter and also enjoyed bird hunting and fishing. He fondly remembered hunting trips out west and time spent at the cabin he built by hand with the help of his family and friends. Eugene always had a story to tell. He could talk for hours to anyone he met. He was a mentor to many and always had advice to give. He was a generous, thoughtful and devoted friend, father and husband. Eugene was deeply religious and read his Bible faithfully. He was a proud member of the Silver M Club and earned his Golden M in 2011. He also served on the MAPS school board, the council at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and was a member of the Optimist Club.
Eugene leaves behind his wonderful and caring daughters: Lori (Joe) Duginski, Amy (John) Marthaler and Beth (Leslie) Stevenson, 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 1 sister, 2 brothers, 3 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law and his four-legged buddy, “Stormy”. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and soulmate – Gloria, his mother & father-in-law, 1 brother, 1 brother-in-law and 1 sister-in-law.
A Memorial Service for Eugene will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Waid Funeral Home. Pastor Missy Miller will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Eugene and his family request that donations be directed to the Merrill Historical Society, the Silver M Club or the Lincoln County Humane Society.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
“Love is great, but God is GREATER”