Eugene (Gene/Geno) Neises, 78, of Sioux Falls, passed away at his home on Monday, February 9th, 2026, with his wife by his side. Gene was born on January 9th, 1948, to Mary (Albers) and Francis Neises of Howard, SD. He lived on the family farm until his father's passing in 1960, at which time he and his mother moved to town. As a boy, he did the best he could to be the man of the house. Gene attended St. Agatha Catholic School and graduated with the final class ('66). He attended General Beadle (now DSU) and Northern State University before enlisting in the Army in 1968, and served a tour of duty in Vietnam from August of 1968 to August of 1969.

Gene met and married his partner of 54+ years, June Mette. They married on October 23, 1971, after a short engagement, and moved to Chicago to start their lives together. After their first child was born (Jason), they moved to Sioux Falls to continue their journey together. Gene started with the Sioux Falls Fire Department in 1976, and their second son (Jarud) arrived shortly after, making their final move to the house they would call "home" to this day. In 1982, their youngest son Josh arrived, and Gene was promoted to FAO (Engineer/Driver), a rank he would hold proudly until his retirement in June of 2002, having served his community for 26 years. He held numerous "side-jobs" that provided him the opportunity to create lifelong friendships - all the while ensuring he provided his family with everything they needed. In 2008, after June's retirement (Avera), they became snowbirds, spending winters at an RV park south of Austin, TX, so that they could watch their granddaughters grow up and participate in various athletics.

Throughout Gene's life, he was blessed with many friends who provided a plethora of stories that he loved to share, especially over a cold beverage. He didn't have the luxury of a primary income, so construction and other gigs were needed to provide his family with all they needed. Gene worked hard, played hard, and loved hard. In retirement, Gene enjoyed golfing, camping, and watching his grandchildren grow up. He had his golfing buddies, camping crew, and was known as "Papa" to his grandchildren. His son Jarud, having followed in his footsteps and serving the same community on the fire department, benefited from a special bond that they shared through their experiences in the fire service. Union activism was an area that Gene was very passionate about, always striving to improve working conditions for his "fire family." This passion was passed on to Jarud, who carried the torch after Gene's retirement. Gene was notorious for his colorful use of language, and even more so for the unique ability to turn it off when necessary (if you know, you know).

Gene is survived by his wife, June (Mette); his sons, Jason (Lynne) of Lakeway, TX, and granddaughter Riley; Jarud of Lennox, SD, and grandsons Trent (Zebroski), Oliver, and Jaxon; Josh (Stephanie) of Cedar Park, TX, and granddaughters Marley and Piper; sisters, Vivian (Rydbom) of Everett, WA, Donna (Rospond) of Fort Wayne, IN, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sisters: Richard, Basil, Gilbert, Bernard, Alfred, Irene, Kathleen, and baby Theresa.

Visitation, with family present to greet friends, will be held at the Miller Funeral Home West Side Chapel (6200 W 41st St.) from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, February 15th. Funeral will be at St. Joseph's Cathedral at 10:00 am, Monday, February 16th, with inurnment at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Howard, SD, at 2:00 pm.