Gene Sage, 74

On Oct. 28, 1938, Gene Clifford Sage was joyfully welcomed by Ada Pearl (Costner) and Gene Elmer Sage as the first of their children in Fresno, Calif.

After a determined battle with cancer, Gene lost the fight on Oct. 20, 2013.

Gene’s dad was a lineman who often moved his family for work and they lived in California, Oklahoma, back to California, and Washington before landing in Butte early in 1950. It was here that Gene began working with his Dad and became a part of the electricians union at the age of 13.

Gene entered the military at the age of 17 and served in Korea.

On Oct. 3, 1959, he and Margaret “Marge” Kallas were joined in marriage and began a life-long union that survived many calamities as well as uncounted joys. Born to them were three children: Eugene Michael, Patty Jo, and William “Bill” Christopher Sage. Tragically, Michael and Gene’s brother, Bill, were killed in an automobile accident in 1960.

Gene lived and worked a hard life as a lineman and received an achievement award for 55 years as a union member in 2009.

Always a caring man, Gene would keep in touch with family members and friends, ready to help if there was anything he could do for any in need. Even in times of conflict, he always helped those he could and worked to resolve issues, for which many were very grateful and appreciative of his concern.

Gene had a life-time love of the outdoors and fishing, so in 1990, he bought property near Georgetown Lake and could often be found with his family and friends fishing on the lake, boating, or just having a good time. After he retired, fishing became like his “career” and he would eagerly look for someone to go fishing with him anywhere in southwestern Montana.

However, Gene never let fishing or anything else keep him from spending time with his beloved grandchildren and his great-grandson. He also spent much time helping Marge’s sister, Mary, get her grocery shopping and errands done. He loved to take Marge to Anaconda and have a good steak dinner at Barclay’s. His many life-long friends and fishing buddies will also greatly miss his company and enthusiasm.

Gene was proceeded in death by his parents, Gene and Ada Sage; son, Michael; brother, Bill Sage; and parents-in-law, Gus and Nora Kallas; and two nephews.

He is survived by and will be sadly missed by his wife of 54 years, Marge; daughter, Patti Kocher; granddaughter, Jamie Kocher and her son, Riley, and companion, Ian Woodahl; son, Bill and Carrie Sage and sons, Noah and Brayden; sisters, Nancy and husband, Don Cameron; Jenny and husband, Ron Collins; brothers, Phil and wife, Kathy Sage, Russ Sage, Dan Sage and companion, Julie Kennedy; sister-in-law, Mary Como; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Judy Kallas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, (some of whom were fishing buddies) and long-time friends, Don and Tova Eustice, and Eric Asheralt.

Many thanks to Nancy Cameron, and Phil and Kathy Sage for all their help during this stressful time.

In accordance with his requests, cremation has taken place at Butte Crematories.

Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in St. Ann’s Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the Butte Depot reception hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Our Lady of the Rockies.

Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve the Sage family.