Gene Ellison

Gene Arthur Ellison, 70, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, passed away at his home on June 9, 2026.

Born on Halloween night, October 31, 1955, in Fort Meade, Maryland, Gene was the son of Arthur Robert and Dolores Eve (Beatty) Ellison and was born while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. He was raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he attended local schools and graduated from St. Joseph High School with the Class of 1974.

Following high school, Gene proudly served in the United States Navy from 1976 to 1980 aboard the USS Francis Hammond and USS Buchanan as a Boiler Technician Petty Officer Third Class. After his military service, he began a career with WE Energies, working in Oak Creek and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. He retired on June 6, 2024, after 39 years of dedicated service.

Service to others was a defining part of Gene’s life. In addition to his military service and long career in public utilities, he served continuously on the Winthrop Harbor School District 1 Board of Education for more than 20 years, from 2005 until his passing in 2026. He cared deeply about his community and took great pride in supporting local students and schools. On June 25, 1989, Gene married Jeanne-Ann “Corky” Monson. Together they built a loving family and welcomed two sons, Nathan (Rhianna) Ellison and Noah Ellison. Gene was a proud grandfather to Stella, Maddon, and Evren Ellison. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren, whose lives and accomplishments he followed with pride and enthusiasm. 

Gene will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, generous spirit, and deep love for his family. He appreciated all kinds of music and enjoyed sharing favorite songs, discovering new artists, and reminiscing about old favorites. He also loved good food and exploring different cuisines, often using meals and music as a way to connect with his sons. Whether gathered around a dinner table, listening to music, or sharing stories and laughter, Gene cherished time spent with those he loved.

He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Ellison of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Eric (Beth) Ellison of Phoenix, Arizona; his nephews, Michael and Joseph; and his beloved dogs, Hershey and Honey, who were faithful companions and favorite TV watching partners.

Gene was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha, Paul Herrick American Legion Post 21, Kenosha Navy Club Ship 40, and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 420. He also devoted over 28 years to Scouting as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for Pack and Troop 667.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, George and Jean Monson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, Illinois. A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 7307 40 th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, Illinois.

More than anything, Gene took pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.