Gene George Gopon

Gene G. Gopon, born January 16, 1944, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 82.

Gene was a dedicated family man, respected professional in the insurance industry, and a devout Catholic. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Northland Insurance Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was later named Chairman of The Northland Group. Under his leadership, Northland grew into a diversified specialty insurance leader, culminating in its successful acquisition by The Associates First Capital Corporation in 1998. After overseeing the integration, Gene briefly stepped away before returning to the industry to found Maxum Specialty Insurance Group in 2003, where he served as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2008. Over more than four decades, he made a lasting impact and built enduring friendships across the industry.

Above all, Gene cherished his faith, family, and friends. He shared nearly 57 years of loving marriage with his beloved wife, the late Julie E. Gopon (née Smith). He was a proud father to Denise (Patrick) Larsen, Jeff, Kevin (Tina), and Steven (Mary) Gopon; a cherished grandfather to ten grandchildren; a doting great-grandfather; and is also survived by his brother Leon (the late Sharon) and lifelong friend James (Marge) Siedlecki. Gene’s warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Leon, his mother Genevieve (née Pustelnik), and his wife Julie. They await to receive him as we release Gene into our Lord’s holy embrace.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. with the Prayer of the Rosary and continuing visitation until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 West Lawrence Avenue, Norridge, Illinois 60706. Friends and family will gather at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home, and then proceed to St. Monica Church 5136 N. Nottingham, Chicago for a Requiem Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will also be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Bernard Catholic Church 248 S Harbor Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cumberland Chapels. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.cumberlandchapels.com/ For more information (708)456-8300.