Eugene "Gene" F. Mower

Eugene “Gene” Francis Mower, 96, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 15, 2026, with family by his side.

Gene was born August 25, 1929, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Gilbert and Alisha (Mondeau) Mower. He grew up on Chippewa’s East Hill with his three siblings, discovering a love of the outdoors from an early age. In his teenage years Gene developed a talent for football while attending McDonell High School, graduating in 1947. He was awarded a full-ride scholarship to play at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, PA, where he graduated with a business degree. Soon after, Gene received an invitation to try-out for the Los Angeles Rams, but declined as he knew his father, Gil, needed help managing the family business — Mower Insurance Agency. He owned and operated the business for most of his life, continuing to regularly come into “The Office” until the age of 91. His involvement in the lives of his family, friends, employees, and the Chippewa community were guided by a steadfast commitment to his Catholic faith.

The best thing to ever happen to Gene was a blind date that he almost missed for a hunting trip, had it not been for his date calling him beforehand to let him know he’d get an earful if he cancelled. There he met Carmen, who would go on to become the love of his life. His lighthearted sense of humor was the perfect complement to Carmen’s no-nonsense attitude, and collectively they shared a contagious optimism for life. He must have made a good impression, as Carmen soon left her nursing job in Chicago to move to Chippewa, and married Gene on June 2, 1956. They would go on to raise four children together and were married for 61 years.

Gene’s favorite place was his hunting cabin in Gordon, WI, nicknamed “The Wild Wumpus,” though he often described it as “heaven on Earth.” He loved spending his time hunting, fishing, and playing Cribbage with family and friends. One of his favorite events of the year was the annual fishing trip to Canada that he would go on with every family member that could attend. His love of being on the water developed into a passion for sailing, which led him to be a founding member of the Lake Wissota Yacht Club. He initially purchased the land where it now stands, and before he knew it, several friends wanted in on the adventure!

Even into his eighties, Gene was an avid Tennis player and loved sharing that passion with his grandchildren. He was a strong believer that a good workout should end with a trip to the nearest Olive Garden or Olson’s Ice Cream in Chippewa. No matter his age, Gene always had the energy and time to attend his children’s sporting and musical events, and carried that presence alongside Carmen through to the endeavors of their many grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his children, Tim (Roxie) Mower of Chippewa Falls, Scott (Lori) Mower of Chisago City, MN, Judy (Dan) Sperry of Scandia, MN, and Kari (Curt) Hennen of Chisago City, MN; grandchildren, Tony, Brett, Ryan, Jamie, Tyler, Dylan, Morgan, Karly, Zach, and Will; 4 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Norm Rud; along with nieces, nephews and other loving relatives.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carmen; sisters, Kathryn (Richard) Armstrong and Mary Ann Rud; and brother, Charles E. Mower.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18 at the Church of Notre Dame in Chippewa Falls. The visitation will begin at 9:30a.m., and the funeral service at 11:00a.m. Burial will directly follow the conclusion of the service in Hope Catholic Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene’s honor are appreciated and may be designated to McDonell Area Catholic Schools “Building Needs” 1316 Bel Air Blvd, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, or to the Community Foundation of Chippewa county for the “Carmen and Gene Mower Family Endowment Fund” 404 1/2 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.