Eugene Nilges

Eugene "Gene" G. Nilges, age 80, of Sunrise Beach and formerly of Linn, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach.

Gene was born March 22, 1931, in Linn, a son to the late Fred S. and Lena (Voss) Nilges, Sr.

Gene was a 1949 graduate of Linn High School and after graduation enlisted in the US Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict. Gene was one of the first enlisted men who were stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Warrensburg where there was nothing but tents to house the men and a few runways at that time.

Gene was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Linn as well as VFW Post 4756 and the Linn Jaycees Club. Gene served as an alderman and as mayor of Linn as well as being on the Osage County Volunteer Fire Department.

Gene was Co-owner of Nilges and Sons Heating and Cooling in Linn. After retirement, he worked for Westlake Hardware stores both in Jefferson City and in Sunrise Beach.

Gene's hobbies included wood working, building model airplanes and hunting.

Gene is survived by his dear friend and companion, Evelyn Mueller of Sunrise Beach; three sons, Terry E. and his wife Debbie Nilges of Cahokia, IL, Jerry R Nilges of Linn and K.P. and his wife Julie Nilges of Linn; one step-son, Steven Huppenburger of the state of Georgia; three brothers, Albert and his wife Joyce Nilges of Jefferson City, Fred and his wife Alice Nilges of Linn and Raymond Nilges of Jefferson City; one sister, Lena Mae and her husband Kenny Foster of Linn; one brother-in-law, Bill Kaullen of Linn; six grandchildren, Christy Boyer, Matt, Taylor, Preston, Calen and Cord Nilges; 3 great grandchildren, Kyle, Abby and Dillon, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by one sister, Judy Kaullen and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth ""Betty"" Nilges.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2012, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Fr. I.C. Medina as the Celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. George Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.