Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Eugene Cosgrove
Eugene "Gene" Cosgrove, 97, passed away Friday, October 25, 2013, at the Augusta Area Home, where he had been a resident since May 2012.
Gene was born October 1, 1916, to Thomas and Nellie (Schaeffer) in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of 7 children. When Gene was 17 years old, he enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). During his enlistment, 1935-1936, he was stationed at Camp Globe, near Fairchild, WI. While stationed at Camp Globe, he met Nellie Gilbertson of Augusta. He and were married Nellie Gilbertson on February 13, 1937.
Gene worked as manager of the auto body repair departments at Bowman Chevrolet, Junig's Chrysler/Dodge, and Bud Weiser car dealership all in Beloit, WI, Alec Christianson Ford in Clinton, WI, and for the City of Beloit. In 1964, Gene and his family moved to the Augusta area where they owned and operated the Riverview Tavern and Grocery, in partnership with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Beno and Alice Gilbertson. Gene and Nellie were married 49 years when Nellie passed away one week short of their 50th anniversary, in 1986.
Gene met Grace DuCharme while spending winters in Florida. Gene and Grace were married on November 25, 1989. They continued their "snowbird" lifestyle spending winters at their home in West Palm Beach, FL, while returning to the Augusta area during the summer for several years until Grace's death in April 2004. Gene moved back to the Augusta area in 2006.
He was a devoted husband and father, and also a very diligent and devoted caregiver to both of his wives during their final extended illnesses.
Gene loved Big Band music and loved to dance. He was also an automotive enthusiast. He enjoyed working on cars. After his serious bout with pneumonia in May 2013, he and his family were happy he was able to get out for 12 pontoon boat rides on Lake Eau Claire this summer!
He was also preceded in death by his wife Grace in 2004, parents and siblings: Mary Cecil (John) Mehaffey, Thomas (Mabel), Ann (Jack) Frisque, Charles (Dorothy), Helen Krantz, and Francis "Bud" (Adrina), as well as a number nieces and nephews. He is survived by his son Chuck (Sue) of Augusta/Rochester, Minnesota, step-daughter Maud of Montreal, Canada, step grandson Sebastian, step granddaughter Genvieve, all of Quebec Canada, and their children.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, with burial in the West Lawn Cemetery, both in Augusta. A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday and from 11:00 a.m. until time of services Friday at the funeral home.
Chuck and Sue would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Augusta Area Nursing Home and Mayo Health System Hospice for the excellent care and genuine concern shown to Gene while he was in their care. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
