Gene Hustad of Hudson, WI passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at his home. He was born on September 13, 1932 to Olen and Irene (Sponem) Hustad. He grew up on the family farm, with his 8 brothers and sisters, in the Hustad Valley outside New Glarus. He graduated high school from Mt. Horeb High School and went on to serve in the U.S Coast Guard. After his discharge from the Coast Guard, he completed his BS in Engineering at UW Platteville and became the District Manager for Smith Engineering Works. His job took him from Milwaukee, WI to Harrisburg, PA and then to Hudson, WI. After a few years he left SEW and went on to become the VP of Operations of Dresser Trap Rock.

In 1958 Gene met his wife Ardys and they were blessed with 3 children. The family home on the St. Croix River became the gathering place for family and friends. No matter how long the hours at work, Gene always had time for his children and grandchildren’s many activities. He also volunteered his time to the Shriners and the Masons.

Gene loved to travel – visiting many countries over the years. After retirement, in the winters, he would pack up Ardys and the camper and head off without a plan to wherever the road would take them. Summers were spent up at the Deer Lake Cabin. The highlight of the summer was hosting the Annual Jeglum/Hustad Family Golf Tournament. The gathering of his family and friends was something he looked forward to every year.

Gene was a quiet, gentle, kind, generous man and a loving father and husband. He welcomed all into his home and his life and very rarely did you see him without a smile on his face. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Gene is survived by his children, Shawn Porter, Kevin Hustad, Gregory (Tami) Hustad. Grandchildren Amy (Travis Gross) O’Neal, Brandon Rivard, Mitchell and Ashley Hustad. Great-grandchildren, Connor, Caitlyn and Callie O’Neal and Olive Rivard. Sister Eileen (William) Liedholm. Many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Ardys, his parents Olen and Irene (Sponem) Hustad, mother and father-in-law Joseph and Anna (Schroeder) Cardarelle, brothers William M. and wife Mary Lou, Arthur and wife Bernice, sisters Lenice Hustad, Doris and husband Enos Jeglum, Betty and husband Richard Bristow, Wilda and husband Richard Wilhelm, Shirley and husband Thomas Dunn, son-in-law Spencer E. Porter, sister-in law Dixie Courant and husband Hans.

Memorials preferred to your charity of choice.

A visitation for Gene will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street Hudson, WI 54016. A memorial service will begin at 2:30 p.m.

To view service via livestream, please click HERE

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.