Gene A. Rissell, 79 of North Sioux City, died April 3, 2017 at his residence.

Funeral service will be held 10:30am Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Gene Austin Rissell was born June 19, 1937 in Pender, Nebraska the son of Oscar and Ruth (Morell) Rissell. Gene grew up in Pender, graduating from Pender High School. He joined the Navy and served from 1955 until 1959. Gene married Bonnie McGinnis in 1966. Together they made their home in Sioux City. Gene worked at Container Corporation of America for over 32 years. On April 19, 2006 Bonnie passed away.

Gene was a long time member of Sioux City Baptist Church and the Siouxland Senior Center. He was very active. He loved to fish, golf, dance, play horse shoes, go bowling, and was a big Nebraska Cornhusker Fan and St. Louis Cardinal Fan.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam Rissell of Sioux City; seven stepchildren, Linda Conner of Sioux City, Cathie Shafer of San Antonio, TX., Janice Clay of Sioux City, Rick (Jeanne) Clay of Omaha, NE., George Clay of Sioux City, Ed Gurnsey of Greely, Col., Doug (Kathy) Gurnsey of St. Angelo, TX.; grandchildren, Randi Fields, Mark Fields, Saniyya McClendon and numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Janice Sindelar of Beamer, Nebraska, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; one stepdaughter, Beth Gurnsey; one grandson Shane Clay; and a brother-in-law Delaine Sindelar.

The family invites you to wear Cornhusker or St. Louis Cardinal clothing, to wear them to the service if you wish, to honor Gene’s favorite teams.