Eugene "Gene" Judd, age 75, of Aurora, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls after suffering from a massive stroke.  Memorial services will be held at 2 PM on Friday, December 29th at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.

Gene was born on December 8, 1948, to Edward and Dorothy (Herbaugh) Judd in Murdo, South Dakota.  He grew up in Murdo and graduated from Murdo High School.

In 1977, Gene began working for the Coast to Coast warehouse in Brookings, where he met Pam Ponto.  They were married in 1984, and have lived in Aurora ever since.  In his retirement, Gene guided out of state pheasant hunters as well as being a part-time bartender in Elkton.  He also worked part-time for local farmers. Gene was a long time member of the Aurora Fire Department as well.

Gene loved the outdoors and hunting pheasants.  He also enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.  He will be remembered for his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Survivors include his wife, Pam; daughter, Shelly (Steve Leintz) Bolish; granddaughters, Brittany Hansen (Craig), Brianna Curtis (Doug), Kristina Bolish (Kobe) and Carlie Bolish; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Haselbaker; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Cecil, Judd, Marian, Charles, Dwight, Mary Lou, Noel, Robert, and Jim.