Eugene A. “Gene” Kukowski passed away on October 25, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, with Kaci and Chris by his side.
Gene was born August 24, 1965, in Billings, Montana. Gene was raised on Pryor Creek with Jack and Sharon Kukowski, he had one older sister Kristie. They were one year and 6 days apart. The family had a rich history of raising cattle, farming, haying and going to rodeos on the weekends. Even at a very young age Gene was amazing on a horse. He won many saddles, buckles and trophies. He was also very accomplished with a pool cue and had purchased a pool table for “The Pool Palace”, which was infamous up and down the creek.
Gene met Chris Jensen in Douglas, Wyoming in 1983. He was the Montana State Champion Heeler, and she was there cheering on her cousin, who just happened to be dating Gene’s header. Needless to say, they went to the dance together every night. They met back up when Chris moved to Billings in 1985 at The Eagles Nest and went right back to dancing.
In 1990 Gene and his Uncle Steve leased a place north of Big Timber and that’s where his little family had their first home. Kaci came along on a snowy April 9th that year. Oh how he loved his little girl. Never did he tell her “No”. He left that up to her momma. They had a fun relationship, like that of a much older brother, who was fun and naughty. The shenanigans those two would get into. In 1992 they moved over to Rapelje and leased a much larger ranch. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, pool and loved ranching.
In 1999 the ranch sold, and they moved to Miles City, which was Chris’s hometown. Chris went to work at Cottonwood Care Home, which they purchased later from her parents. He was the maintenance man extraordinaire, food taster and keeper of the staff. Which was a dose of torment, tease and unconditional love for the girls. He helped his father-in-law, Bill Jensen, put in furnaces, air conditioners and duct work. He was famous for wearing Custom Heating & Sheet Metal shirts, which said “Bill” on them. Gene had a special relationship with his father-in-law and his mother-in-law. They joked, they made fun, they played cards and thoroughly enjoyed each other.
Gene did many things in Miles. He started CowTown Feeds Nutra Lix, custom hayed and helped CM and Caren Coffee at the ranch. Gene loved riding big country and poking fun at Caren. They had an amazing friendship and working relationship. He also trained and rode many a good horses. He showed reined cow horses that then led him to all corners of Montana, South Dakota, Denver, Reno and Oklahoma for the World Show. Gene was so handsome and set a horse so well.
Gene gave Kaci away in marriage to Kendal Bishop on September 14, 2013. Kendal was an awesome addition to their crazy little family. The day after Christmas in 2016 his granddaughter Kenedi arrived. What a relationship they had. He was Papa Mean Gene, and just like that he had another little girl to start shenanigans with, often to Kaci’s dismay. He was uncle Mean Gene to his niece Reygen. He was always flanked by girls. But oh how he loved his girls.
Gene lived a full life in his short 60 years. He was a good man and loved his time with his family and friends.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to Grace Bible Church Youth Programs, Range Riders Museum or WaterWorks Art Museum.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 1, 2025
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Erin Leininger says
Im so sorry to hear about Gene passing. He was one heck of a pool player! RIP Gene
Barb Smalis says
Chris and Casey, there are no words that are adequate to offer to you in this time of deep sorrow. Just know that we are praying for your healing and for all of Gene’s family. So very sorry… my heart breaks for you.
Ron & June Tibbetts says
Kukowski family we are so sad to hear about Gene. So many good memories with him. Prayers for all 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Nora Drew says
I’m so saddened to hear this.
Prayers of comfort for the family.
Ginger Carpani says
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Gene was always so good to visit with. He was a really great guy.
Garth Sleight says
I was so sorry to see this. Gone too soon is so cliche, I realize, but as a 70-year-old, I truly mean it. My sympathies and condolences to the family.
Hazel Stabler says
Chris I am so sorry to hear about Gene. May the Holy Spirit engulf you with the Loving arms of Jesus and give you peace and strength.
James Howe says
Got no word, ‘cept sad 🙁
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Chris and family, sending u thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. May your memories fill the hole in your hearts.
Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Chris, Kaci & family,
We’re so sorry to learn of Gene’s passing. Our hearts go out to all of you as well as our thoughts & prayers.
Love,
Brian & Wendy
Dorthy Ley says
Chris and your entire family, I am so saddened to hear about Gene and please know you are all in my prayers. Such a shock .
April McQuiston says
Chris and Kacie, im so sorry to hear about Genes passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. send much love and hugs to you all
April McQuiston says
Chris and Kacie, im so sorry to hear about Genes passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. sending much love and hugs to you all
Gina Cooley says
Kris and Kaci, so saddened to hear about Gene. Praying for your peace and comfort.
Brian and Gina Cooley
Jeff Bilharz says
So sorry for your loss 🙏gene was a good man & everytime I would see him he would always have a smile & a great additude. He will be missed RIP
Jeff Bilharz says
So sorry for your loss Gene will be missed RIP
Patti and Brad Bredeson says
Chris and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dale & Cheri DeCock says
Chris, Kaycee and all of Gene’s family – We are heartbroken for you all. We are sending hugs & prayers to you and all the family.
Martin and Roban Bunting says
Wow,we were shocked! Chris and Casey you are in our thoughts and prayers.Besides great Husband,Dad,and grandpa we knew him as an Amazing Horseman!! He always rode “top notch” horses! I hope hes on a great horse in Heaven!
Nancy Volz says
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Susan Bakken says
Chris, I’m so very sorry. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Joanne Richardson says
Chris and Family, So sorry to hear about Gene. May he Rest In Peace and time helps heal the loss of your loved one. Remembering you in prayer.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Chris and Casey and family, so sorry to hear about Gene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
MARTHA Crandall says
I am so sorry. We loved playing pool against him in league. My deepest sympathy
Karan and Alan Charles says
We are so sad to hear of Genes passing. He was such a nice person and a wonderful pool player. So sorry for family. Love to all.
Kate and Curt Terrett says
Our prayers and sympathy to Chris and Kaci and family ..
Karen Morris says
So sad. May you find comfort in happy memories. God bless.
Jolynn Herman says
So deeply sorry for you loss Chris. Thoughts and prayers for you and you family. Hugs for you all .
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss…
Denise Harvey says
I am so very sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Josie Nelson says
We are so very sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Sending love from your old Rapelje friends, Greg, Kathie, Josie, & Josh Nelson.
Marj Anderson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Chris and family. So sorry for your loss.
The Craig Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family – fond memories are held by so many –
Dave Schott says
Chris, my thoughts are with you and your family. I am sorry for your loss.
Marilyn & Jim May says
Chris and Kaci and family…. So very sorry to hear about your great loss. Sending you our love and prayers for the days ahead… so sorry
Marilyn & Jim May
Lori Donnelly says
Chris, Kaci, and family – my deepest condolences to you all. I”m so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts. I have many memories of Gene in our younger years when several of us all rodeoed on the weekends. He was an excellent heeler that I had the pleasure to turn a few steers for. May he rest in peace!
Tab Fleming says
So very sorry to read of your loss. May heavenly father send Tender mercies to all of you during this time. Thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Hart says
Chris and Kaci: I am so sorry to hear of your untimely loss. You are in my prayers.
Cindy Schedel says
My deepest sympathy so very sorry for your family’s loss.
Wishing you comfort and joy in your wonderful memories.
Dan Barkemeyer says
Such a shock to hear of Gene’s passing.
Having been lucky enough to work alongside him at the Coffee ranch, I always felt that his presence, whether afoot, horseback, or on machinery, made the rest of the crew look better.
You set the bar pretty high when they say “a good hand “! RIP Gene!!
Linda Walker says
This is so sad. My condolences to the family. I loved to watch Gene play pool, it was so smooth.
Mary Ann Murray says
So sorry to see Gene passed. My condolences and prayers to his family.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Chris & Family, So sorry to read this. He always had time to say “hi”. We enjoyed our conversations with Gene. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Eugene Bankey says
Cris,Kaci ans family
Our condolences and prayers for your families.
Gene and Connie
Jenny Hickox “Southern Belle” & family says
My dearest Chris and Kaci (Kenedi) I am so sorry to learn of Gene’s death. I can’t imagine how devastating this is for y’all. He was a very kind and caring man. I thank God for bringing him into my life for a short while, it was a blessing to know y’all. May y’all find peace and comfort through our Lord now and the days to come. Keeping all of you and the family/friends in prayer. Hugs and much love to you.
Scott Kent says
I am sorry to hear about Gene’s passing! He was a good man and I have some fond memories of Gene, Tyler Stovall and I out of high school “Tearing It Up” in town and out at the ranch branding and shipping! Hugs and prayers to all of the Family.
Linda Spidel Fultz says
Chris and Kaci, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was shocked when I heard this!! So sorry for your loss! Linda Fultz
Linda Moore says
Cris and families. I am so very sad you lost a special person as Gene. Enjoyed watching him shoot pool. Take care. Linda
Pam Wickham Capp says
My brothers and I youth rodeoed with Gene and Kristie when we lived on Blue Creek.
I haven’t seen Gene since the early 80’s, but always thought he was a kind person.
The videos and pictures show his love for family and friends, mischief and his excellent horsemanship.
God Bless his family and friends.
Pam Wickham Capp
Bonnie & Archie LaRoque says
Chris & Kaci
Sorry to hear about Gene.
Prayers for you and family.
Bonnie and Archie LaRoque
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Chris, Kaci and families
I am so sorry for the loss of Gene. He was truly a special, loveable, honorable, kind person. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes a Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will get you thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sherry says
Chris my heart goes out to you, daughter, granddaughter, parents, brother & all the family! I was shocked to just hear this & I’m Praying for you all🙏 You all have been through so much this year & Pray you get some peace & healing coming your way! 🫂 Hugs to you my friend & see I missed the funeral too give you a Big Hug in person. I remember him well… he always enjoyed stopping to harass me me I was in my yard mowing/weeding & ya just lived a block down from me! He will be remembered always in your Heart’s & Memories 💞💙
Louise de Montigny says
Dear Chris, Kaci and families,
My sincere sympathies for your great loss. I wish you happy memories and peace as you go forward.