Eugene ‘Gene’ John Nieshe

Eugene John Nieshe, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025 in Seattle, Washington after an unexpected battle with cancer. He was born on March 23, 1941, in Floodwood, Minnesota, the son of William and Anna (Muth) Nieshe.
On September 22, 1969, he married the love of his life, Alice Anderson, in Fairbanks, Alaska.
He attended Concrete High School before joining the Air Force in 1960 where he served 20 years. During this time, he and Alice traveled and lived in numerous places including some of his favorites, Fairbanks, Alaska, Sumter, South Carolina, Vietnam, Grand Forks, North Dakota, New Orleans, Louisiana, then back to Fairbanks, Alaska, Blytheville, Arkansas and Birdsview, Washington, where he settled when he retired from the Air Force. Then he started working for Skagit County Public Works until retirement in 2006.
Gene was a member of the American Legion Post 43, the Eagles Aerie 2584 of Twisp, Washington, the 40 & 8 Club, and the VFW Post 5056 of Sedro-Woolley.
Gene is survived by his loving wife, Alice; daughter, Cindy Nieshe; son, Jason (Samantha) Nieshe; grandchildren, Alisha (Tyler) Leatherman, Dennis Fant and Machaela Nieshe (children of Jason & Sam); great grandchildren, Colten Nieshe (son of Machaela), Lainey Leatherman and an unborn great grandchild, Aubree Leatherman (daughters of Alisha & Tyler Leatherman); nephew, Chris Turner, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; 12 brothers and sisters, Carl, Ray, Lawrence, Luella, Wilbur 'Butch', Fritz 'Fred', George, Mercedes 'Cedis', Lory, William 'Billy', Delphia 'Sis' and Adolph.
Gene loved being a Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life watching and feeding visiting birds and rabbits, spending time with his dog, Bella, tinkering in his garage, tackling home projects, camping and making memories with his family. He especially enjoyed his Friday nights in the backyard or garage, depending on the season. Gene had an ornery, stubborn spirit but a heart of gold and he sure enjoyed a cold, crisp Miller High Life.
His family would like to extend an invitation to family and friends to a Celebration of Life at his lifelong residence in Birdsview, Washington on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1:00pm with Military Honors at 2:00pm. Please bring your favorite memory, plenty of stories about Gene, refreshments and a favorite dish. Many will miss him.
Share your memories of Gene and sign the online guest register.