Gene Charles Reed

Gene Charles Reed passed away on December 8, 2014 at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin with his children by his side. Gene was born on February 1, 1937 at home on the family farm by Poplar Lake, the second child and only son of Charles and Viola (Pilgrim) Reed.

Gene went to school in Wanderoos until the 4th grade and then to Osceola school where he graduated and then attended and graduated from Dunwoody.

On February 18, 1961 he married Gracie Mae Fosha at Stillwater, Minnesota and to this union two children were born. Gene was a journeyman sheet metal worker and worked for multiple organizations. He also spent many years farming at their home in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. Gene enjoyed keeping his mind active by exploring the internet and reading the papers on a large assortment of subjects including news, politics, history, animals, and geography. In his younger days he went hunting, fishing and cut wood to stay warm in the winter(s). He enjoyed gardening for friendly competition with Dean, playing a good hand of cards, talking about farming and debating politics. It would certainly be fair to say that Gene was frugal most of his life. Gene and Gracie did some travelling which included two adventures to Alaska. They also joined friends John and Audrey on many adventures including Vegas, Branson Missouri, Lambeau Field/Door County. He kept in touch with some of his school mates and enjoyed their conversation especially when he got older.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Gracie (Fosha) Reed, father Charles Reed and his mother Viola (Pilgrim) Reed, his sister Joyce Reed Ceravolo and Joann Reed McFarland, his father and mother-in-laws and step-father-in-law Louis Fosha, Dorothy Heilig and Frank Heilig, Sister-in-law Nina Vold, Brother-in-laws: Arvid Vold, Terry Hatelstad and Donald Weik. Gene leaves to celebrate his memory, son Dean Reed and wife Sue, daughter Jody McGee and husband Rod. Grandchildren; Jordy Reed (Amy), Lacey Fisk (Corey) , Carrie McGee (Luke Walsh), Timothy Reed (Bridget Peck) and his adopted Granddaughter Amy VanDeBrake. Great-Grandchildren, Natasha, Nakodah, Kegan, Cameron, Elliot, Jordy Jr. and Rowan. Sister Janice (Donald) Hites (Grand Rapids, MN), Brother-in-laws Tom Ceravolo (Lockport, NY) and Mark McFarland (Pittsburgh, PA). Sister-in-Laws Myrna Weik, Edith McKinney (Dennis), Sharry (Gary) Olsen and cousin Isla (Bob) Lennartson - all of Polk County, Wisconsin along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Gene will be deeply missed and is loved by many. He was keen and sharp until the very end. He flirted with the nurses and loved to see them blush. A special thanks and appreciation from his family to the St. Croix Hospital staff for their care and kindness during his stay.

Family will greet visitors at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria, Wisconsin on Friday, December 12th from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. and at Faith Lutheran Church Saturday, December 13th from 10:00-11:00 A.M. Funeral Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin Saturday, December 13th at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Diane Norstad officiating. Soloist Jim Moe and Tasha Calhoun accompanied by Dorene Hendrickson. Gene will be laid to rest at the Balsam Lake Cemetery following the service. Casket Bearers will be, Alan Vold, Rick Vold, Danny McKinney, Mike Vold, Randy Gordon, Jim Larson, Scott McGee and Mark Winge. Honorary Casket Bearers will be, Dick Larson and Vernon Redlick.