Eugene "Gene" L. Broge age 94, of Freeport, IL passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on September 21, 2021. He was born on March 10, 1927, in Waddams Grove to Clifford and Bessie (Tieman) Broge. He married Ursie Price on May 9, 1954, in Nora, IL at Nora Community Church. He was a lifetime farmer, starting in Winslow, IL, at his family farm until he purchased land outside of Nora to start his own. He enjoyed carpentry, spending time with family, playing euchre, fishing, reading and was an avid sports fan after retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Ursie of Freeport, IL, 4 children- RoseMarie (David "Nick") Leiendecker of Warren, Christine (Brad) Ellis of Snohomish, WA, Eugenia (Lee) Steffens of Shoreview, MN, and John (Karoline) Broge of Winslow, IL; grandchildren- Jerad (Michelle) Bennett, Carrie (Mike) Harris, Jeanette (Mike) Dorsey, Nickolas (Alex) Bennett, Ben (Maranda) Ellis, Joe (Annalyn) Ellis, Jim (Meghan) Ellis, Katelyn (Daniel) Washburn, Jonathan (Laura) Steffens, Jessica (Dirk) Brinkmeier, Travis Broge, Amber (Brady) Hanson and Mike Broge; 22 great grandchildren, 4 great great-grandchildren. Sister- Helen Straight; Brothers- Allen (Phyllis) Broge, LaVerne (Linda) Broge and Norman "Bill" (Mary Ann) Broge; many nieces and nephews and his loving cat "Character".

He was preceded in death by his parents, child-Gale Broge; grandchildren- Jacob Ellis and Shantell Winslow; Sisters- Virginia Mann and Nelda Straight.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church on Monday September 27, 2021, at 12:00 noon. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church.

Officiating will be Rev. Rick Bader.

A private family burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL.

A memorial has been established in his name for the St. John's Friendship Center in Lena, IL.