Gene Engelkes

Gene W. Engelkes, 78, of Monida passed away in his home on 16 April 2021 with his family at his side. Gene was born in Chana Illinois on 25 August 1943 to Albert and Bernice Engelkes. Gene had two older brothers, Richard and John, one younger brother, Bert, and a sister Jerry. Gene was raised on a farm but he really didn’t feel this was to be his calling in life. Gene had a daughter on 25 September 1962. Gina Lynn. Gene joined the army in feb of 1965. During his tour he found himself stationed in Germany and took the opportunity to look up and visit other people named Engelkes. If they were related to Gene or not I couldn’t say. But nonetheless Gene enjoyed visiting with them. So It stands to reason that Gene could speak German but when asked he said he can’t speak German since it’s been so long. After serving in the army Gene soon moved to Dillon. Gene got a job at a mill. Then soon found a city job. Reading water meters. Which he like doing except was not to fond of getting bitten by dogs. When an opening came available out at the cemetery Gene had no problem trading dog bites for the jokes people would be giving him. Gene took all the ribbing in good humor. Genes married Donna Mae in February 1979. They stayed married for 42 years. Gene loved Donna and in November 2019 when he lost her to breast cancer Gene was devastated. Genes step daughter stayed with him since she could not talk him into moving to North Dakota. Lisa was there at his side when he went to go get Donna for the last time.