Alva Eugene "Gene" Tromburg, 76, of Custer, SD, passed away on August 26, 2018, at his residence in Custer.

Gene was born on July 22, 1942, in Nampa, Idaho, to Dale and Margene (Gilman) Simpson. He moved many times in his life for the Military and family from Idaho, Wyoming, California, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado and South Dakota. Gene joined the U.S. Navy in 1959, at the age of 17, in Casper, Wyoming.  In 1959, he married Verna Tromburg and had four sons, Stan; Jeff; Daniel and Brian. Gene moved his family to San Diego, California where he was stationed.

After twenty years of proudly serving his Country in Vietnam, Gene retired in 1979, as Master Chief Boatswain's Mate, E-9.  After retirement from the Military he worked as a boiler inspector for Procter & Gamble.   Realizing he missed home he moved back to Rawlins, Wyoming, where he worked for the Wyoming State Penitentiary, starting as the Maintenance Manager and promoted to Deputy Warden. After Gene divorced he married Melody McKelvy in 1988, and his family grew with the addition of Melody's son, Jacob Jarrett, who was four years old when they married.  As an adult Jacob blessed Gene with his grandson, his good buddy, Flynn.   Gene and Flynn made many memories hanging out together.

Gene, Melody and Jacob lived in Indiana for seven years, eventually moving to Custer, South Dakota, closer to his sons and grandchildren.  He worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hot Springs and Ellsworth Airforce Base before he finally retired and relaxed with his family.

Gene loved his family, camping, riding his ATVs, using his metal detector, playing cards in Deadwood and talking to people, especially fellow Veterans. Gene was loved by many and respected by all.

He will be missed by his wife, Melody (McKelvy) Tromburg; sons, Brian (Deanna) Tromburg of Casper, WY; Daniel (Elizabeth) Tromburg of Laramie, WY; Stan Tromburg of Riverton, WY; Step-Son, Jacob (Hana) Jarrett of Rapid City, SD; eight grandchildren;  eight great grandchildren; as well as other relative and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his son, Jeff.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 30, 2018, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer.

Committal services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2018, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD, with military honors by the United States Navy.