Gene "Geneo" Oakley

Gene “Geneo” Oakley was born January 16, 1950. He had the biggest, kindest, most generous heart, which stopped beating at 6:19 a.m. on January 11, 2026.

Gene was the son of Donald and Harriett (Leeder) Oakley; brother to Don, Jerry, David, Phillip, Tom, Debbie, Martha, Dawn, Lori, and Tim.

Gene had a challenging yet adventurous life. He began learning the meaning of hard work at age 8, driving a tractor on the family farm. It blossomed from there into becoming a steeplejack, a bartender on the Tall Ship Windjammer Cruise Line, co-owner/operator of The Starlight Ballroom in Stevens Point, WI, and his grand finale career—owning and operating a storage business and recycling center with his wife—where he met many customers who turned into dear friends over their 37 years in business.

There’s certainly no denying that he knew how to balance his work life with fun. He was a lover of the outdoors—any adventure, traveling, bicycling, grilling, gardening, and even just mowing the lawn when his health allowed. And the biggest, most heartfelt joy in his life was his family, his “world”—those he loved to share fun with the most.

He dated the love of his life, Suzanne (Hadden), for 18 years, marrying her on November 8, 1986. Together they had one beautiful daughter, Tatianna, who married Luke Jenson on October 26, 2013. The two of them blessed the family with four grandchildren—Lyla, Oakley, Rosetta, and Louella—his most cherished tiny people, who had the privilege of calling him their “Poppies,” a title he was so proud to bear. Because he was a big kid at heart, they shared a very special bond with him.

Gene is survived by his wife, Suzanne; daughter, Tatianna (Luke); grandbabies, Lyla, Oakley, Rosetta, and Louella; brothers, Don (Penny), Phillip, Tom, and Tim (Stacie) Hudson; bonus “brother,” Shorty Smith; sisters, Debbie, Martha, Dawn (Jim), and Lori (Tony); sister-in-law, Diane; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Richard Hadden; mother-in-law, Jean Hadden; grandparents; brothers, Jerry and David; brother-in-law, Claude; nephews, Jonathan and Angello; and special friend, Joe Jones. Gene’s large, giving energy has ascended into heaven, joining many other family and friends who went before him.

There’s a huge void without his larger-than-life personality, all those witty comebacks, and constant strings of jokes followed by that infectious, booming laugh. He truly loved to make people laugh, even up until his last hours. And he’d surely tell us all we’d be jealous if we knew how he was doing right now.

We love and miss you and your big teddy bear hugs more than you’ll ever know!

Gene’s family wants to thank those who gave him the best care at SSM Hospital in both Janesville and Madison during his final days. We hope you forever remember him as the funny and light-hearted man you described.

Also, a big thank you to all blood donors, as he became transfusion-dependent over the past couple of years.

No services are planned, but a private celebration of life will be held at a later date and updated on HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME website where condolences are also welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.