Eugene Harry Gronlund, always known as Gene, passed away on Jan. 8, 2025, at the age of 99. Born on Aug. 9, 1925, Gene’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and dedication to his community.
Gene began life in a small house near Mud Hen Lake. His father, Edwin, died in 1926, and four years later his mother, Bertha, married Albin Johnson. So in 1930, Gene and his two older brothers, Carl and Lynn, and their mother, moved to Falun. He soon gained two sisters, Dorothy and Betty. Gene lived there until he joined the Navy in 1943. He served honorably during WWII in Boston and the South Pacific until the end of the war in 1946.
In 1951, Gene married Marilyn Peterson beginning a partnership that lasted over 73 years. In 1952, they had their first daughter, Debra, and three years later their second daughter, Janet. Over the years, Gene worked at Carlson and Johnson’s store, the Falun Lumber Co., McNally Industries, owned the Gamble hardware store in Falun, owned and drove school bus for 20 years, worked with IDS Investments, the First Bank of Grantsburg, and finally in 1971 bought out the Texaco Fuel Oil franchise. Gene sold that to Burnett Dairy in 1981 and retired at age 55.
Gene loved being retired, but he kept busy for a few years with part-time jobs, and farming. He enjoyed walking on stilts dressed as Uncle Sam in parades and giving patriotic presentations in schools until the age of 87. Besides working in Grantsburg with his Texaco company, Gene also served on numerous boards in town.
He was blessed with two daughters; four grandchildren, Ingrid, Danny, Britta and Lars; and 10 great-grandchildren, Adam, Jaime, Ariadna (in heaven) Andrea, Roberto, AJ, Isak Bear (in heaven) Linnea, William and Anders.
Gene loved performing and sang for people his entire life. He had a beautiful tenor voice, but he also played the bones and spoons. One of his favorite things was singing hymns with gusto whether on his tractor in the fields, at church, or standing at the Salvation Army Christmas donation stand.
Gene loved laughing. He loved God, his family, his friends, his community and his country. His was a life well lived.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., at New Hope Lutheran Church in Grantsburg.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.
