WHITE PINE, Mich. – Eugene Francis Lane Sr., 76, of White Pine, passed away in the comfort and dignity of his home early Sunday morning, May 10, 2026, amidst his family and loved ones who cared for him.

Eugene was born in Wakefield on Dec. 8, 1949, to the late Edward and Ann Rita (Grabrick) Lane. Raised locally, he attended Wakefield High School.

On Dec. 16, 1966, Eugene enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles attached to the 82nd Airborne Division. He served a tour of combat duty in Vietnam, where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachute Badge and Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Battle Star. Eugene was honorably discharged as a sergeant on Dec. 17, 1969.

During his tour of combat, Eugene was injured. While recuperating, he married the former Bonnie Moyer. They made their home in Pennsylvania and were blessed with a daughter. Eugene and Bonnie later separated and then divorced.

After his time in the service, he joined a Vietnam comrade in the building trades.

Then, on Sept. 9, 1972, Eugene was united in marriage to the former JoAnn Haukkala in Wakefield and they were blessed with two sons. She preceded him in death on June 27, 2020.

He worked for Superior Tree Service in Wakefield and concluded his 15-year working career after becoming disabled at White Pine Copper Company. Eugene started underground and then moved to the surface, where he was a foreman in the smelter department.

Eugene’s outdoor activities included fishing, hunting and camping. In his free time, he was an exceptional cabinet maker.

Eugene is survived by two sons, Darek (Heather), and their two sons, Cole and Dylan, and Eugene Jr. (Wayne); and a daughter, Melanie (Jeff) Signor and their family.

Also surviving are six siblings, Sharon White, Diane (Jim) Gibula, Anita (Mike) Brass, Judy (Allan) Anderson, Gary (Mona) Lane and Terry (Bruce) Brzoznowski; a stepsister by marriage, Grace Lane; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a stepbrother, Duane “Dewey” Lane; two stepsisters and a stepbrother-in-law, Barbara Bale and Virginia (Chet) Benson; and three nieces, Donna White, Tiffany Smith and Loretta Plutz.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 29, at 2 p.m. CDT, at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield. The Rev. Jean B. Rencontre will officiate.

Following the words of comfort, full military rites will take place at the cemetery under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion, 605 River St., in Wakefield, following the military honors.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, and Regional Hospice Services for their excellent care of Eugene.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.