Obituary of Eugene A. Naes

Eugene (“Gene”) Anthony Naes, 89, of Aurora Colorado passed away in the presence of loved ones on November 7, 2020. Per his wishes, Gene passed in the comfortable surroundings of his home and was visited by many family and friends during the final weeks of his life.

Gene was born in St. Louis, Mo, November 21, 1930 to Richard Anthony and Marie Sophie Naes. He attended St Louis University High School and then graduated with a degree in Commerce and Finance from St Louis University in 1952. He later completed his studies with an MBA from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

After graduating from St Louis University, Gene joined the US Army and participated in the final days of the Korean War and was stationed in Seoul from 1953 to 1954.

Upon his return to the US, Gene landed his first opportunity in sales with an up and coming company,  IBM, and married his childhood sweetheart Marilyn Roeder Naes on Thanksgiving Day in 1954 at St Ann’s Church in Normandy, Mo. Gene and Marilyn met on a winter day in 1940 while Gene was shoveling his Grandmother’s driveway and Marilyn was walking to school. Gene’s career at IBM spanned 37 years in various roles and in locations that included Memphis (Tn), Topeka (KS), Binghamton and Poughkeepsie (NY), Boulder (Co) and Tucson (Az). On November 25, 2020 Gene and Marilyn would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

In 2001, Gene and Marilyn moved from Boulder, Colorado and the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus to Aurora, Colorado and the Parish of Ave Maria to fully engage in retired life.

Gene lived an active life both when working and since his retirement in 1991. He was active as a coach for his various kid’s sports teams, playing golf, gardening and in his Catholic Parish. Gene was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and assisted in fundraising efforts, scheduling social events and special activities and with Parish maintenance activities whenever called upon. Anyone that knew Gene, knew he was a dedicated husband, father and friend.

Gene is predeceased by his parents, his younger brother Richard Naes of St Louis Mo. and his youngest son Frank Naes who died in infancy. He is survived by his spouse Marilyn Naes and 4 children and spouses, Francine (Rod) Zeren, Katherine (Michael) Greichen, Caroline (Doug) Carlile and Eugene (“Tony”) (Lori) Naes. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and their spouses Josh Zeren, Jaqueline (Ben) Bolton, Katie (Fiance Ryan) Greichen, Nicholas Carlile, Mathew Carlile (Fiance Megan), Jack Carlile, Eugene (“Anthony”) (Ally) Naes III, Annemarie (Derek) Hofmeister, Luke (Haley) Naes, Christian Naes and Daniel Naes. Lastly, Gene is survived by 7 great grandchildren (in Birth Order) Nora Bolton, Michael Hofmeister, Lexi Naes, Jacob Hofmeister, Juliet Bolton, Eli Naes and Beau Hofmeister.

The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the charity of your choice.