Gene B. Belmas

Gene B. Belmas, 83, of Rhinelander, died on July 8, 2024, with family by his side. He was born on April 11, 1941, in Ironwood, Michigan, first son of Eugene and Martha (Kilponen) Belmas. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia (Valle), daughters Genelle (Douglas Bornemann) and Patricia (Nathan) Waech, son Steven, five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and three brothers and two sisters.

He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1959 and from Superior State College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1963 and then a master’s degree in education administration. He was the captain of his high school and college football teams and served as teacher, football and ski team coach, and principal in the Rhinelander school district for over 30 years.

As a strong Christian, he served in various ways, including as the congregation’s president, at St. Mark Lutheran Church.

He was active in several ATV clubs. Inducted into three athletic halls of fame for football, he also loved fishing, skiing, golfing, supporting Wisconsin sports teams, leatherworking, woodworking, making music, and spending time at the cabin he built in “da UP.” But his family was his first priority — followed closely by the Green Bay Packers.

He was a wonderful man, and there are no words to say how much we will miss him. Gene, may God keep you in His loving care. A special thank you to Aspirus Home Health and Seasons of Life for their amazing care.

There will be a visitation for Gene on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a funeral service following at noon, all at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Rhinelander, with Reverend Richard Miller officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery.

You may leave your private condolences for the Belmas family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.