Eugene B Jessup

It is with great sadness we announce:
 Eugene B. Jessup, age 102, beloved and devoted husband, father, mentor and best friend, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center, with his dedicated son, Rob, by his side. He spent his final days listening to some of his favorite classics from the 40’s and 50’s. Beautiful renditions of songs like Autumn Leaves and Claire de Lune. Gene loved music and started taking piano lessons at 94.
 
 Gene was born on October 16, 1921 in South Bend, Indiana, son of John J. and Bessie (Bell Biggs) Jessup. Gene was one of four boys who all loved to play golf at the neighbor hood course. The boys would sneak off to Studebaker Golf course at the end of Bowman St. after hours and play the 4 holes nearest the fence!

Then run home for a wonderful supper cooked by their beloved mother Bessie.
 
 Gene married, the love of his life, Norma Jean Renfro, on January 13, 1952 in Jefferson, Indiana.
 
 Gene graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana. As a boy, he worked at The South Bend Tribune, Indiana & Michigan Electric Co, The Hollywood Beach Golf Club. He even caddied for Patty Berg, Ben Hogan and Estelle Larsen Page. Gene and his brothers loved their annual summer trips to Michigan.
 
 Gene studied at South Bend Business College before being drafted into the United States Navy Seabees in March 1943. He was a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. He studied at the University of North Carolina officer training program 1943-45. Then on to Harvard University for Naval Supply School 1945-46. He became an Air Station Supply Disbursing Officer in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1946, until the end of his military career. At the end of WWII, he returned to South Bend to golf, all summer, then on to the Indiana University School of Business. Gene graduated with a Bachelor of Science and then became a teaching assistant and MBA recipient in Business and Marketing.
 
 Gene was recruited by Marathon Corp. and moved to Neenah, Wi. where he began his career in sales and marketing in 1948. He started Jessup Realty in 1958. Gene was one of the primary builders and developers for South East Neenah and was instrumental in the growth of the area.
 In the late 60’s Gene became a fundraiser for the Lurleen Wallace Courage Crusade, raising more than 2 million dollars for the fund. In 1969 Gene and Norma started a Health and Wellness Co. Weight Losers World Inc. and helped thousands of people live a healthier lifestyle, including weight loss, exercise and healthy eating. A life long love affair with Door County led to opening businesses in Fish Creek in 1985 and then a return to commercial and residential real estate.

During his lifetime, Gene was a member of Optimist Club, Board of Realtors, MLS Founders Club, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Ridgeway, Butte de Morts and North Shore Country Clubs and the Indiana University Alumni Club. He served as a SCORE counselor, a 50 year member of the Presbyterian Church, Sunday school teacher, Boys Brigade and Scout leader.
 
 He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Norma, three sons, Jay (Kathy) Jessup, Curt (Alison) Jessup, Rob (Angel) Jessup. Grand children, Johanna Jessup, Natalie Jessup, Brent (Jana) Kiesau and Douglas Kiesau, beloved in laws Tommy(Carol) Chastain.
 Gene was preceded in death by his parents John J. and Bessie Jessup, his brothers, Jack (Jean) Jessup, Col. Maurice (Irene) Jessup and Vern (Esther) Jessup. 
 
 Gene was a businessman, real estate developer, entrepreneur, author, lecturer and consummate salesman with a creative mind. A true leader and always positive. Gene loved to read and would read several newspapers each day. Always up on current events and able to discuss any subject at any time. He also loved watching the Green Bay Packers in his later years.
 
 The family wishes to thank the staff at Oakridge Gardens for their unwavering love, compassion, friendship and top level care. In addition, the family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Moments Hospice for their love, special care and kindness at the end of Gene's life. Especially Malissa and Kim. Friends and family would also like to thank Gene's son, Rob, for his dedicated, kind and patient care.
 
 A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
 In lieu of flowers, cards, remembrances and memorial contributions may be sent to:

    The Jessup Family 
     P.O. Box 13
     Brillion, Wi. 54110
 
 Dear Dad,

We celebrate you and your long, loving and productive life. We are all grateful for your presence in our lives and the impact you had on so many. You will always have a place in our hearts and we will carry on your legacy in each and every one of us and the lives you blessed.

To a great man from the greatest generation, who had an amazing life, we love you dad, thank you for everything.