Eugene "Gene" Upward died Wednesday morning, September 17 at New Glarus Home Memory Care.
Gene was born September 27, 1934, to Stanley and Mary (Moffitt) Upward, in Bisbee, North Dakota. He grew up in North Dakota, Beloit, Minneapolis, rural Monroe and Orangeville.
He attended Elementary School in Beloit and Sander's School. He graduated from High School in Orangeville.
He was united in marriage with Lois Faye Priewe on June 19, 1954 at Staver's St. Peter's Church EUB.
Gene worked as a livestock truck driver, then was livestock buyer for Dubuque Packing Company at the buying stations in Argyle and Browntown. After moving to Maryville Heights, WI, Gene worked at the main Dubuque Stockyards in Dubuque, IA until his retirement
He is perhaps most remembered as a Master Turkey Call Maker and hunter and fisherman. His unique turkey calls are in collections all over the United States and beyond. Most gratifyingly, so very many "Upward's Custom Calls" are in active use by hunters.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lois, three sons, Randy, Mark & Greg, two sisters, Vernice Klinger & Darlene Cornelius, as well as a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and countless friends and hunting buddies.
An informal Memorial Gathering will be held at Argyle Rod & Gun Club, W9408 State Highway 81, on Saturday, September 27, (Gene's 91st Birthday) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Family and Friends are invited to join in refreshments and endless talk of hunting, guns, taxidermy, turkey calls, Wyoming hunting trips and countless memories.
The lone, wild bird in lofty flight,
Is still with thee, nor leaves thy sight.
And I am thine, I rest in thee.
Great Spirit, come, and rest in me.
The ends of time are in thy hand,
The seas dark deep and far off land.
And I am thine ! I rest in thee.
Great Spirit, come, and rest in me.
Henry Richard MacFayden 1877-1964
