Gene George Gopon

Gene G. Gopon, born January 16, 1944, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 82. A dedicated family man, respected leader in the insurance industry, and devout Catholic, Gene served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Northland Insurance Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later as Chairman of The Northland Group. Under his guidance, the company grew into a diversified specialty insurance leader and was successfully acquired by The Associates First Capital Corporation in 1998. After overseeing the integration, he returned to the industry in 2003 to found Maxum Specialty Insurance Group, where he served as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2008. Over more than four decades, he made a lasting impact and formed many 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; and a doting great-grandfather. He is also survived by his brother Leon (the late Sharon) and his lifelong friend James (Marge) Siedlecki. Gene’s warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

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