Gene Green, 91, of White River, SD passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00AM at the White River High School Gymnasium in White River, SD.  Burial will follow in the White River Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Gene Oliver Green was born on November 2, 1934, in the living room of the family home northwest of White River—a home originally built from grain bins, with later additions added by Grandpa Tucker. That same home would be the place Gene lived his entire life, raising his own family there and building a lifetime of memories. From the very beginning, it was where his lifelong love for ranching took root.

Gene was the middle of seven children born to Everett and Fern Green. From an early age, the ranch was where he felt most at home—doing what he liked best and living life on his own terms.

Gene graduated from White River High School, where he met the love of his life, Winnie Tucker. Their love story began at a football game in Onida, and they were married in Pierre in 1952 by a Baptist minister—even though Gene's dad said they were too busy on the ranch for him to be gone. They married and headed right back to the ranch to keep working!  Together, Gene and Winnie built a life grounded in hard work, family, and faith.

They raised six children: Kelly, Kevin, Kent, Kyle, Kip, and Kami. Gene often joked that he wasn't sure why all the "K" names were chosen, though he admitted it did make things a little harder to keep track of. Life brought its share of challenges, but there were also many good years on the ranch. For a time, Gene and Winnie ran the Watering Hole in town, and Winnie and Phoebe Krogman operated a catering business—while Gene liked to say his primary role was hauling things for Winnie.

Ranching was truly Gene's calling. He raised milk cows and sold milk to the cheese plant in Mission until it closed, then later raised a cross of Black Angus and Herefords. He preferred working cattle on horseback, often saying there was something about being in the saddle that gave him a different feeling—maybe even closer to God. He worked for many years at the Presho and Winner livestock auctions, fulfilling his heart for the cattle industry and staying closely connected to the work he loved. Gene experienced his share of close calls, including a serious injury at the Presho Sales Barn when a bull tossed him over a gate, breaking his collarbone. As back issues worsened over time, he eventually sold his cattle and leased out the pasture, but his love for ranch life never faded.

In his ranching years, Gene was a familiar sight at neighbors' brandings, roping and dragging cattle to the fire. When his father, Everett, retired from the job of "cutting" cattle, Gene quickly stepped in and became known as one of the best. He always had his jackknife sharp and ready to go.

Outside of ranching, Gene enjoyed bowling in leagues and had a liking for softball. He set up a base and pitching mound at home, where he practiced until he became a pretty talented fast pitcher. After which he played for the Jaycees in White River. Sports were something he enjoyed throughout his life. He followed his kid's activities and was a fan of cheering on the Tigers in his later years.  He proudly remained an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, no matter what their season held.  He was often seen wearing his Vikings jacket to show his pride.

Some of Gene's favorite memories included traveling to California with Winnie to visit her family once their children were grown, and later traveling to see their own children and grandchildren. Winnie passed away in 2008, a loss Gene carried with deep love and devotion.

Gene was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church and the Odd Fellows. Family was always at the heart of his life. He is survived by his children; Kelly (Donna), Kevin (Joni), Kent, Kyle, and Kami (Chris), 24 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren, with more on the way— "a lot of Greens," as he liked to say.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Winnie; his son, Kip; his parents, Everett and Fern; his siblings, Jr., Bob, Jeannette, Marguerite, Alan, and Darlene; his grandson, Chase Novotny; and his great-grandson, Ty Green, and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

Gene's personal motto was simple and true: "Do what you like to do." He lived that philosophy every day, and it showed in the life he built, the family he loved, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.  Gene left this earthly world on January 23, 2026.