Gene Whinnen, age 85, passed away November 20, 2024, of natural causes. He was a beloved father, brother and friend who will be missed.

Gene was born September 17, 1939, in San Francisco, CA. When Gene was 12, his mother Mildred Whinnen moved Gene and his two sisters, Marilyn and Loretta, to Chinook, MT. Gene graduated from Chinook High School in 1958 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy and was honorably discharged after 4 years.

Gene then moved to Havre, MT, where he worked for the Vita Rich dairy and then worked for the BNSF Railway in the transportation dept retiring in 1999 after 23 years of service.

Gene enjoyed, cooking Asian food or smoking a brisket, managing his investments in the stock market, traveling to Europe with his sisters, or building high end wood furniture. He was an avid reader and history buff. Gene regularly worked out at the gym, went to lunch, or had coffee with family or friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mildred Whinnen, Sr.; sister, Loretta Park; and nephew, Michael Trusty

Gene is survived by his children, Ed (Heidi) Hill of Havre and D'Juana (Ken) Cushing of Billings; grandchildren, Natalie Hill and Mason Cushing; great-grandchildren, Theo Hill and Sage Cushing; sister, Marilyn Trusty of Portland OR; nephews, Cole Trusty and Ryan Higgins; niece, Karen Higgins; and several cousins.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel.  Gene's family has suggested memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Blaine County Wildlife Museum, Friends of Beaver Creek Park, or the charity of the donor's choice.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.