Gene Dees

Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and brother passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, after a short, unexpected battle with lung cancer.

Arvel Eugene (Gene) Dees was born on December 5, 1949, in Benicia, California to Arvel and Betty Dees. Their family moved to Tooele when Gene was 12. His dad transferred to TEAD when Benicia Army Base in CA closed. Gene graduated from Tooele High School in 1968. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Korea for 2 years. Gene married his high-school sweetheart, Nikki Royal Dees in September 1972.

Together they have two wonderful children, Bryon (Buffy) Dees and Danielle Leuk, and were blessed with five grandchildren, Jarred, Aaron, Averie, Brooke, and Malorie, and four great-grandchildren, Brock, Finley, Gracyn, and Devyn. Gene and Nikki recently celebrated their 53rd Anniversary and shared many wonderful years together.

Gene's career was long and consisted of numerous places of employment. His final position at TEAD was Property Book Manager. He also later worked for General Electric, Saubic and NAPA Auto Parts. Gene finally retired at the age of 75.

Through the years, Gene loved to hunt, fish, and go camping. There were many eventful and hilarious hunting stories. Gene loved spending time with his family- kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many good friends. They were all very special to him. Each of them called Gene something different- Grandpa, Gramps, Old Man, Pops, and some names we called him that we can't share. He also loved Thursday night Karaoke at the SL Eagles with his wife Nikki and her brother Paul, and their many friends. They are just like family. He loved music, especially country music. Gene will be deeply missed by all. He had a tremendous sense of humor, you know, that lovable wise guy.

He is survived by his wife Nikki, son Bryon, daughter Danielle, brother's Jim and Gary, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, son-in-law Tana, granddaughter Taylor, and in-laws Nick and Barbara Royal.

Gene had a strong belief in God, family, and country. He was a very patriotic man who supported and defended the Constitution and was a card-carrying member of the NRA.

We would like to thank all of our family and good friends for their love and support during this very difficult time. We also want to thank Community Nursing Services, I don't know what we would have done without them.

A viewing will be held at the Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Street, Tooele, Utah, on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. Graveside service will be held at Tooele City Cemetery, 361 South 100 East, Tooele, Utah, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.