The world lost a special caring man on December 4, 2023. Eugene Palmer Sperry was born to Dale and Irene Sperry on February 2, 1938, in Darlington, Wisconsin. Gene was a dedicated family man. Gene’s children, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were the light of his life. Gene loved traveling and enjoyed several family trips. A jack-of-all-trades, Gene was always ready to help anyone who needed a hand. After his retirement in 1997 from GM, he loved junking, collecting antiques and maintaining his lawn.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth; daughter, Lauri (Rudy) Steinhoff of Grayslake, IL; son, Gene “Hap” (Cindy) Sperry of Evansville; four grandchildren: Sara (Karl) Frentz and Elizabeth (Colin) Bethran, both of Austin, TX; Lauren (Tyler) Carlson of Farmington, MN and Matthew Sperry (Brandi VanFossen) of Evansville. Great-grandchildren, Hadley and Cason Carlson. Gene treasured his special relationship with Mick, Alan, Terry, Greg and Scott Sperry. Survived by sister, Joyce Belter of Oregon, WI; brother-in-law, Jim (Martha) Johnson of Evansville, WI; Roger Sperry, his double cousin that he considered a brother, of Darlington, WI. Many special nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, five siblings and in-laws: Merle and Dora Johnson.

Gene loved children and in honoring him memorials are welcome to the Aware Program in Evansville, or AGRACE Hospice Care, Janesville, WI.

Friends and family are welcome to attend Funeral Services at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home, Evansville. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville. Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home, Evansville is assisting the family. For online condolences please visit www.wardhurtley.com