Eugene R. "Gene" Genz

Eugene “Gene” R. Genz, age 78 of Emily, MN passed away peacefully on February 2, 2023 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.  Gene was born on February 16, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN to Alfred and Mabelle (Peterson) Genz and he was the eldest of 6 children.  The family moved to Milaca, MN where Gene graduated at the top of his class.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1972.  On August 30, 1974, he married Patricia “Pat” Fendrick in St. Paul, MN. They bought their first house in Crosby, MN and moved to Emily, MN in 1975, where they spent the remainder of his life. 

Gene drove fuel tankers for over 40 years for Wayne Transport and Cummings Oil, until he finally agreed to retire at the age of 68.  However, he wasn’t quite ready to retire just yet, so he worked for a few more years with his son, Chad, driving roll-off truck for Emily Rolloff.   Gene was a proud retired firefighter for the Emily Volunteer Fire Department with over 38 years of service.

Gene loved to hunt, fish and garden and he shared that passion with his friends, his wife Pat, his sons and his grandchildren.  Gene was known and loved by many.  He will be greatly missed by his family and far too many friends to count. 

Gene is survived by his wife, Pat; two sons, Chad (Kami) Genz and Craig (Mindi) Genz; four grandchildren, Charlee and Cooper, Hope and Aric; brothers, Darrel Genz and Howard (Lois) Genz; sisters, Marjorie (Joe Kiesling) Pekula, Nancy (Jim) Lucas; brother-in-law, Jim Sipper; and nine nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Mabelle Genz; sister, Shirley (Genz) Sipper; sister-in-law, Brecky (Wieland) Genz, and his wife Pat.

A celebration of life for friends and family will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the park behind the Emily Fire Hall.  Arrangements are through Koop Funeral Home of Crosby.

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