Obituary For Edwin Nugene Egge
Newcastle |Edwin Nugene Egge passed away peacefully on January 11, 2017 in Newcastle, WY. Gene, as he was known to his friends and family, was born October 23, 1936 to Melba (nee Madden) and Edwin Egge in Canton, South Dakota. It was here that he and his brothers developed a passion for sports, playing basketball and “Sandlot” style baseball every chance they got. When he was in Senior High school, his family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota and from there graduated high school. He attended Black Hills State University where he earned his degree in education. It was there that he met and married Joan Bonsell. Together they proudly had 2 children, Robert “Bob” and Gary. He later married Jenny, his wife of 37 years, and became a step-father to Dan, Dessa, Donnie and Melissa.
Gene began his career teaching math and science in Newcastle, Wyoming. Developing a love for all things Wyoming, he earned his Master’s in Administration from the University of Wyoming. He dedicated 30 years to the Newcastle school district where he also served as the Principal of the Elementary and Middle schools. Gene believed in the power of education and instilled that value in his students, children, and grandchildren.
After retiring in 1990, Gene spent 15 years as the grounds keeper at the Newcastle Country Club. He took every opportunity to golf as much as he could and taught his grandchildren the rules of the game. Hunting was one of Gene’s greatest passions and enjoyed spending many years hunting in the Moskee area with his sons and good friends. It pleased him when his grandchildren, Sara and Garrett Egge, began their love of hunting as well. In 2015, after 54 years of application, Gene finally drew a Moose tag in the Snowy Range Mountains of Wyoming. He enjoyed being able to hunt with his sons one more time.
Gene’s 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren provided him with great joy. He loved watching their sporting events and hearing about their academic achievements. Providing them with a beautiful yard for them to play and have family picnics was one of his great pleasures.
Gene was an avid sports fan and happily attended Super Bowl XXVI, PGA Championship, PGA US Open and Daytona 500. Always a history buff, he had a great interest in the American Indian and Old West cultures. He collected many historical items related to the American Indian and the Black Hills area. He would talk tirelessly about any subject to anyone. His role of educator was never far away. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Terry and Sheridan “Pushy”; sister, Donna.
He is survived by his wife, Jenny; brother, Larry; sons, Robert and Gary (Ami); step-children, Dan (Juli) Patton, Dessa (Mike) West, Donnie (Elizabeth) Patton and Melissa (Troy) Cade; grandchildren, Sara and Garrett Egge, Adam, Jessica, Kiana, Katara, Nick, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Kendra, Tommy, Jordan, Garrett, Jolaney and Laramie; great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Dahlia.
At Gene’s request cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
