Eugene "Gene" Belken

1934 - 2023

Janesville, WI - Eugene "Gene" Keith Belken, 88, of Janesville, died on Friday, September 1, 2023 after a short illness. He was born on November 21, 1934, in Hazel Green, WI to Ernest and Florence (Womack) Belken. He was in the Platteville High School Class of '53 and enjoyed attending their class reunions. Gene and Mary Durley were married on November 22, 1958, in Platteville, WI. They were blessed with three children: Rockie Eugene, Jacqueline Kay and Melodie Renee. He was employed as a truck driver prior to 1962, when he moved his young family to Janesville to begin his 30-year career at General Motors. He was very proud to be a GM employee and happy that his daughter, Melodie, followed in his footsteps by becoming a career GM employee also. Although Gene and Mary's marriage ended, their friendship and concern for each other continued. He later married Joan Henry in Platteville on November 16, 1974. She passed away just 3 days prior to their 40th anniversary in 2014. They enjoyed showing their 1939 Chevrolet "Silver Fox" at various car shows in the area. Gene was a jack of all trades and could fix almost anything and was willing to do so for anyone who asked. He enjoyed going to flea markets to collect Potosi Brewery and General Motors memorabilia. He was a UAW Local 95 member as well as a member of Port of Potosi Chapter Brewerians.

Survivors are his son, Rockie (Mindy) Belken of Beloit, WI; daughters Jacqueline (David) Belken-Pecor of Janesville, WI; and Melodie Belken of Wright City, MO; grandchildren: Bradley (Amber Glass) Belken of Janesville, Dakota (Chris Varela) Conner of West Palm Beach, FL, and Dr. Dean Pecor of Wauwatosa, WI; and the mother of his children, Mary Devins of Janesville, WI. Gene was very proud of his children, and especially proud of the fact that his three grandchildren earned college degrees.

In addition to his children, he is survived by two stepdaughters, Tamera Henry and Mary (Bob) Frusher; and seven step-grandchildren, and several step-great-grandchildren. Gene was pre­deceased by his parents; his wife, Joan; sister, Betty Williams; brother, Paul Belken; and a stepson, Kevin Henry.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Melby Funeral Home, Platteville,WI