Eugene (Gene) Bertagnolli passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, Dec. 28. Gene was born in Kemmerer, on June 18, 1938. He was the son of Mary and Frank Bertagnolli, and he graduated from Kemmerer High School in 1956.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Connie, whom he married on Aug. 20, 1966. He is also survived by their three children: Ken (Robin), Barbara (David) and Darren (Lisa); and his three grandchildren: Nicolas (Laura), Alexandra (Josh) and Isabella.
Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Mike (Kathy); sister, DeeDee (Gary); and several nieces and nephews, including a grandnephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carla Barlow; his brother-in-law, Ron Barlow; and his grandniece, Chelsea.
Gene served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962. His career included working for the Wyoming Highway Department, the FMC trona mine in Green River, and Williams Field Services in Opal, where he retired after 27 and a half years in 1997.
Gene was a dedicated public servant, serving as a councilman for the town of Diamondville from 1973 to 1979 and as mayor from 1979 to 1986. During his time in office, he oversaw significant improvements for the town, including paving the mud streets and constructing Diamondville Park.
Gene’s greatest love was for his family. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren deeply. He made it a priority to take his family on a vacation every two years while his children were at home. After retirement, he and Connie continued their travels, exploring the United States and Canada together and creating lasting memories.
In his retirement, Gene enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Gene’s hobbies included reading mysteries, exploring the outdoors on his four-wheeler or side-by-side, snowmobiling, and tinkering in his garage.
He was a regular at the Chevron coffee gatherings every weekday morning, where he enjoyed camaraderie with his friends. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, often babysitting and spoiling them with treats like ice cream.
Gene was a man of great generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation or expectation of anything in return. He will be warmly remembered and greatly missed by his friends and family.
A viewing was held from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kemmerer. A funeral mass followed at 11 a.m.
