Eugene “Gene” Harold Nissen, age 85 of Luckey, OH, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 following a battle with complication from diabetes. He was born in Toledo, OH November 15, 1937 to Marvin Peter and Evelyn (Phillips) Nissen. Upon graduation from Clay High School in 1955 he was drafted by the U.S. Army and stationed in Barstow, California where he was a bus driver. Gene also worked at the family business, Nissen Lumber and Coal Co Inc, known today as Nissen Concrete. He continued a career as a Concrete Truck Driver until retirement in 2001. Growing up Gene was involved with a group of horse-crazed kids that met in the Lucas County area to share their hobby. This is where he was introduced to his future wife and on June 21, 1958, he married Barbara Jean Liebherr in Oregon, OH. Gene and Barb raised three children and have celebrated 65 years of marriage, all while raising Paint and Quarter Horses on their Family Farm that originated in Northwood and then moved to Luckey, OH.
Gene was a very active man, in addition to working a full-time job, running a horse farm, and raising his children he was involved in Zenobia Mounted Patrol, Lotus Lodge 625 as a Past Master, Paragon Lodge 788, Wood County 4-H as a Horse Advisor, Member of the Wood County Senior Fair Board for 20 years and a Lifetime member of the Tri State Rodeo Association. Although horses were probably his biggest love, he also had a love for dogs and had many companions over the years.
Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara, sons, John (Joni) Nissen of Luckey, Mark (Heather) Nissen of Perrysburg; daughter, Kelly (Al) Adams of Luckey; Grandchildren: Jonelle (Henry), Jolynn (Nolan), Jonna, Lauren (Jay), Austen, Molly (Austin); Brothers: Jerry (Ginny) Nissen, Terry (Jill) Nissen; Sister: Barbara Ann (Carleton) Schroeder; Sister-in-law: Glenous Favata. Not to be forgotten his faithful companion, Jojo. Gene was preceded in death by his Parents; Siblings: Ronald “Butch”, Larry “Skip”, and Ray Nissen.
Family and friend will be received 12-5 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, 110 W. Main Street Luckey, OH. Gene will be laid to rest in Allen Township Cemetery, at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that expressions of sympathy in Gene’s memory can be directed to the Wood County Horse and Pony Club, 12690 Potter Road, Weston, OH 43569.
The family wishes to extend a thank you to all the extended Family and Friends that have been keeping Gene and the family in their thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement or share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
