Eugene "Gene" Allen Bankord

Eugene “Gene” Allen Bankord, 84, of Belvidere peacefully passed away and went to heaven on November 22, 2018 surrounded by his adoring wife Cleo and family. Gene left a legacy of servanthood and devotion to his wife and family, an inspiring work ethic, creative problem solving, and an independent, kind and gentle spirit. He was deeply loved and admired by his family and friends. Born March 11, 1934 in Pengilly, Minnesota; one of 11 children of William and Ellen (Johnson) Bankord. Married Cleo Andersen October 20, 1956, recently celebrating their 62nd anniversary. He served in the US Navy aboard the USS Quincy during the Korean War; and was in the Color Guard. He was honored as a veteran in the VetsRoll remembrance trip to Washington, DC. Gene was a faithful fan at sporting events and activities for all his children and grandchildren. Gene had an entrepreneurial spirit and co-founded The Orth Pole, Christmas Under the Sea experience with his daughter MeLisa. He spent his entire career in the flooring business and although he retired at 70, that didn’t stop him from working on ambitious home projects for Cleo and his family and friends. He was a master at recycling building materials before it was in style.

Survived by his wife Cleo (Andersen) Bankord; children, Mark (Sherri) Bankord, MeLisa (late Shawn) Feeley, Mitchell (Andréa) Bankord, Dr. Matthew (Shelley) Bankord; grandchildren, Ashley (Jon) McNary, William Feeley, Casey (Kayla), Carson (Collette), Dustin (Sarah), Caleb (Beth), Lianna, Brooks, Luke, Jace, Noah, and Ava Bankord; great-grandchildren, Beckam, Easton, Braylin, Wesley, Ben, Graham, Harvey, Finn, Owen, Bailey, Nora Gene; sisters, Beatrice (Bill) Hoskinson, Betty (Dale) Blake, Bonnie Murphy; brother, Larry (Pat) Bankord and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by daughter Mindy, parents William and Ellen Bankord; brothers, Howard (Anne), Aden (Ruth), Wilber (Joanne), Gordon (Beja) Bankord and sister, Beverly (Mike) Motelet.

Visitation will be 9:30-11:00 a.m. Tuesday Nov 27, 2018 at Heartland Community Church, immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m at the church. Pastor Josh Peigh & Jon McNary will be officiating. Burial will be private at Highland Garden of Memories, Belvidere. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com