Eugene (Gene) David Sisco, 72 years old, was born May 20, 1944 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Nebraska City, Nebraska and passed away Friday January 20, 2017 at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska after a brave and extended battle with heart and lung complications.

Gene attended the Union School District 66 for 8 ½ years, and graduated from Syracuse High School in 1962 and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.  He later graduated from the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, MT in 1964, and received his real estate license in 1971.  Gene married Bonnie Koester on July 25, 1965 at the North Branch Lutheran Church in rural Avoca, Nebraska.

Gene was raised and lived on the family farm North of Syracuse.  He farmed, founded, owned and operated Sisco Auctioneering for 52 years.  Gene's first auction was November 30, 1964 for J. Earle Crownover in rural Unadilla, NE working with Col. Eddie Morris and Col. Rex Young.  Beginning in 1968, he worked closely with Col. Ellis Lacy until 1972.  He also worked at the Syracuse Sale Barn, then owned by Col. Dick Shea and Bob Morrissey working with Col. Don Vandertook and Col. Jerry Kelley from 1965 to 1971.  In 1972 a longtime partnership with auctioneer Don Vrana was established and was prominent in Southeast Nebraska.  During this time Gene worked with brokers Glen Davidson and Ron Svoboda.  He also continued to work with area auctioneers Duane Wellensiek, Jim Peterson, Mark Easter, and Bill Farmer.  Gene was honored with the 1995 NAA Auctioneer of the year, also serving as President of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association in '86-'87.  He volunteered his services throughout the years for numerous church auctions, benefits, and fund raisers, highlighted by working beside Col. Dick Kane, Col. Russ Moravec, and Col. Richard Grubauch at the Henry Doorly Zoo Galas.

Gene was closely involved with his sons Greg and Jason as Sisco Brothers Cattle Company, running a registered Angus and SimAngus cow calf operation and farming beginning in the late sixties.  Gene thoroughly enjoyed many local, district, state, and national shows and expositions, meeting new people and keeping up with old friends, while proudly watching his sons and now grandchildren exhibiting and competing at the same shows.  He hardly forgot a name and never forgot a face.

Gene was lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Syracuse, serving on the Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, and Youth Sponsor.  He also served on the Otoe County Ag Society, and assisted with many 4-H and FFA activities.

He was preceded in death by parents Marion and Thelma Sisco, maternal parents Clarence and Viola Koester, brother Robert Sisco and sister in law Peg, and brother in law Dale Stolle.  Left to treasure his life is his wife Bonnie, sons Greg (Gina) Sisco and Jason (fiancé' Cam), grandchildren Carsyn, Kadyn, Carlee, and Tristan Sisco.  He is also survived by sister in laws Judy (Bruce) Smith of Grand Island, Nancy Stolle of Grand Island, Vicky Gartner of Lincoln, Deb (Harlan) Koester-Jacobson of Newman Grove and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  His eternal place of peace will be at the North Branch Cemetery Avoca, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, January 24th at 10:30 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church (North Branch) in rural Avoca, NE.

Visitation will be Monday, January 23 from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. at the funeral home, then 5 – 9 P.M. at the church with family greeting friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com