Eugene “Gene” Bell

Eugene “Gene” Bell, 91, passed away at home, surrounded by family, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Gene was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather and grea-tgrandfather, and dear friend to many.

He was born in Jim Falls, attended school in Holcombe, and graduated from Cadott High School.

Gene grew up enjoying the outdoors, hunting and fishing, athletics and his black labrador, “Pal.”

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and shortly after completing boot camp at Paris Island, he was on a ship bound for Korea. He proudly served for three years, including the 13 months in Korea.

During his time in combat, he was part of the Air Naval Gunnery Liaison Company (ANGLICO) and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). Staff Sergeant Bell was honorably discharged in October 1953, and 52 years later, he was one of approximately 20 Korean veterans, who received the certificate of “Ambassador for Peace,” when he returned to Korea, as part of a Discovery Channel documentary, Goin’ Back.

Following his service, Gene returned home to Jim Falls, and shortly after, he was reacquainted with a high school classmate and future bride, Ann Hoyt. They married in 1955, settled in Cadott, and had four children: Vicki, Chuck, Becki and Bobbie.

He worked for E.M. Hale Publishers, Eau Claire and Cadott’s Arthur Dairy, before starting his career at the Northern Center in Chippewa Falls, while also working his own dairy herd and farm.

Gene’s greatest love, following his family, was his love for animals. He instilled this love down through three generations of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed sitting with Ann on their backyard bench, visiting with neighbors and watching the wildlife activity. Fishing and hunting trips, with friends, were always being planned to Canada, Montana, Colorado, Birchwood and other various local areas, each time, returning with colorful edited stories!

Those who knew Gene, would also speak to his love of casinos, all shapes and sizes.

Travel was another enjoyment whether with family or friends. Gene and Ann created many memories and stories, as they traveled throughout the United States and abroad, including Holland, Japan, Greece, Korea and Hong Kong.

Gene would want everyone to remember him, while sipping a Brandy Old-Fashioned, with laughter, smile and a witty story!

He is survived by his wife – Ann Bell; children – Vicki (Mike) Wolf, Chuck (Julie) Bell and Bobbie (Dirk) van Schoonhoven; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister – Shirley Olson; and nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Amiel and Irene Bell; daughter – Becki Bell; and brother-in-law – Dick Olson.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cadott, with the Rev. Robert Hopkins officiating. Interment will be in the Brooklawn

Cemetery in Cadott, with military honors conducted by the Cadott American Legion and VFW.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m., until the time of services, Friday, at the church.

Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cadott, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.leiserfuneralhome.com.