Surrounded by his close family, Gene Everett “Pop” Fromberg died at his home in Willows on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. He was born in San Francisco to Lena Black Fromberg and Harry A. Fromberg on Feb. 27, 1930.
He attended Lincoln High School, where he met the love of his life, Betty Lois Hasse. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1950, becoming a gunnery/bombardier instructor.
A year later, on March 3, 1951, Betty and Gene were married. During their 72 years together, they lived in Westlake, Marin, Santa Rosa and Willows.
They loved to travel as often as they could and explored Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Alaska and the U.S.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, he worked as a PG&E lineman. Later, he owned a butcher shop in a Marina supermarket in San Francisco.
He left the food industry and became a partner in the Oxford Hotel in San Francisco, where he worked until he retired. Upon his so-called “retirement,” he went into business with Schellinger Construction in Santa Rosa.
He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved his ranch by Forestville, Calif., where he spent many happy days with family and friends and indulged his daughter’s passion for horses.
He was the president of “Gum Tree Farms” in the Suisun Marsh, where he shared his love of duck hunting with his sons and countless friends. He also spent his time fishing the waters of Alaska and many lakes and streams during their numerous camping trips throughout the states.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; children Bruce (Peggy) Fromberg of Mt. Shasta, Kim (Brad) McGeoghegan of Willows, and Curt (Debbie) Fromberg of Alaska; granddaughter Casey (Blake) McGrew and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Dayna Kay McGeoghegan.
A private graveside service in Willows is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to ButteHomeHealth.com, Attn: Hospice; or Butte Home Health & Hospice, 10 Constitution Drive, Chico, CA 95973.
The Glenn County Observer 