Eugene “Gene” F. Donahue, age 81, of Brewster, MN, passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 at Sunset Hospice Cottage surrounded by family. He was born February 4, 1935, in Heron Lake, MN; the son of Lawrence and Louise (Berreau) Donahue. He graduated from Heron Lake High School in 1953. In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving at Chandler AFB and Tin City, AK. Honorably Discharged from the Air Force in 1957, he then joined the South Dakota Air National Guard serving 22 years. He retired as Master Sergeant in 1981.
On April 4, 1956, Gene was united in marriage to Janet R. Bohn at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brewster. This union was blessed with four children.
Gene worked for Dick’s Food Market; then 20 years at Armour Packing Company. After Armour’s closure, he worked for Rickbeils and Smith Trucking. Gene retired in 1997.
He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Brewster American Legion Post #464 and the Brewster Fire Department. He enjoyed bowling, cribbage, embroidery and fishing trips to Perham with family. Gene was a Military History buff. Also an avid Twins and Vikings fan, win or lose.
Gene is survived by his children, Connie (Paul) Krause, Truman, MN; Randy (Lorna) Donahue, Fulda, MN; Jami Buntjer, Brewster, MN; and Corey Donahue, Las Vegas, NV; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Rosella Sogge, Fairmont, MN; and Sr Marie Donahue, SSND, Mankato, MN and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Janet; his siblings, Harold Donahue, Helen Hall, and James Donahue; Great Grandsons Jayden and Aiden Winch.
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, September 9, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brewster with Father Patrick Arens officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery with Military Honors provided by the South Dakota Air National Guard and the Brewster American Legion Post #464.
