Willard "Gene" E. Osborne

1936-2025

Gene Osborne, 89, of Kenosha passed away at home on October 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife Joan and daughter Kris.

Gene was born on January 20, 1936, in Stratford, Iowa, the son of the late Benjamin Luke and Myrtle (Boucher) Osborne.  Gene was raised in Iowa, attended Kenosha High School, and graduated from Spooner High School in Wisconsin.  After service in the U.S. Air Force, Gene married Joan Knudtson on July 22, 1959.  He was a hard worker, starting in construction and eventually managing major projects for Marriott Corporation including the Great America amusement park in Gurnee, IL.  Gene was also entrepreneurial, owning Lawn Magic and Gene's Construction.  In "retirement" he owned Mac's Deli & Catering with his wife and daughter Kris from April 2007-February 2025.  He was a gifted athlete who played football, basketball, baseball, and had black belts in Akido and Taekwondo.  He also bowled and played golf (once with Ray Nitzke).  An avid sports fan, Gene loved his Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers & Wisconsin Badgers and never met a referee that he didn't criticize.  He was a founding member of the UW-Parkside Rangers Club, supporting the growth and development of the athletics program. Gene had a soft spot for all animals, rescued dozens of feral kittens, made sure the birds were always fed, and even tamed squirrels and chipmunks.  Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family and friends.

He was a loving husband and father, and a kind and generous person to all.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Osborne of Kenosha; daughters Barbara (Michael Milazzo) Osborne, of Cary, NC, Janet (Sara Walters) Osborne of Roanoke, VA, and Kris (Kenny Antcliff) Osborne of Kenosha.  He is also survived by two grandchildren, Stephen Bickford and Cristian Milazzo, both of Cary, NC. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Leonard and Arnold.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Kindred Kitties of Kenosha, Kenosha Humane Society, or the American Cancer Society.

Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory

8226-Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com