Gene H. Boyea

Boyea, Gene H.

Gene H. Boyea, 49, of Howard, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, April 28, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. Gene was battling complications following a heart attack nine days previous. He was born to the late Howard and Janet (Vonckx) Boyea on September 4, 1964, in De Pere. He would later graduate from West De Pere High School, Class of 1983. On Jan. 9, 1999, Gene married Eve Allen in Green Bay.

Gene was a beloved husband and father to his wife, Eve and his children, Jacob and Talia. He was a deeply generous man who cared for family, taking into his home his late father, Howard to care for him during his fight with cancer.

Gene was a hard working Christian man employed first at ShopKo and later at Frito-Lay for many years. He was fond of the simple things in life. He loved spending time at Heaven's Up North Campground with his daughter and could always be counted on to be at Talia's hockey games. Gene enjoyed grooming his pristine yard, planning which tree to move next, and keeping the pool warm for Eve. Gene also enjoyed boating and the peaceful serenity of nature and the outdoors. Over the years, Gene enjoyed traveling to visit his sister and family in Paris, his brother in New York, vacations to the Bahamas with Eve, and spending time up north at his brother Jim's cottage, building long lasting memories.

In addition to being a loving father to Jacob and Talia, he opened his home to his nephew, Stephen as he transitioned from France to America and offered fatherly guidance to the kids.

Everyone who knew Gene could look forward to his beaming smile and deep laugh, a kind joke or light conversation awaiting.

Gene will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him, though he is surely proud to know that his wish to be an organ donor was fulfilled, and in his passing , Gene has blessed others with the gift of life.

Gene is survived by his wife, Eve; his children, Jacob and Talia; his brothers, John Erickson (Paul Gower), Troy, N.Y.; Steve Erickson, De Pere; James (Robin) Boyea, De Pere; his sisters, Barbara Erickson, Paris, France; Mary Erickson, Green Bay; nieces and nephews, Mara, Stephen, Tyler, and Nick; his father-in-law, Paul (Sharon) Allen; mother-in-law, Carole (Gale) Basten; one sister-in-law, Anna Allen; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Janet Boyea; nephews, Jason and Chad Erickson; uncles, James Boyea, Don (Joyce) Vonckx; and his golden retriever, Buddy.

Family and friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, 1307 Lourdes Avenue, De Pere, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the church with Deacon Mike Vander Bloomen, officiating. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Boyea family. Ryan Funeral Home of De Pere is in charge of arrangements.

Gene's family extends a special thank you to St. Mary's Hospital ICU staff for their outstanding care and efforts. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials toward his daughter's college education would be greatly appreciated.