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Eugene M. Gene Mack Aug 05 1945 - Dec 29 2010
Eugene “Gene” Matthew Mack went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Watertown with Rev. John Lantsberger officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm at Crawford Funeral Chapel, with a liturgical wake service at 7 pm. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the spring. Gene was born August 5, 1945, to Joseph N. and Eleanor A. (Fox) Mack in Watertown, SD. He completed his early education at Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Watertown High School with the class of 1963. After attending South Dakota State University, Gene settled on the family farm northeast of Watertown. He raised livestock and lovingly tended his fields of grain, always concerned with the conservation of the land in his farming practices. Gene was, first and foremost, a devoted son and caregiver to his parents as they aged, allowing them to reside on the farmstead until their passing. Gene was the “glue” that kept his siblings aware of family happenings and made the farm a wonderful haven for family and friends to gather. He became a gourmet cook, finding joy in preparing meals for others. His yard and gardens were meticulously kept. He delighted in generously sharing the fruits of his labors. He regularly visited nursing home residents and the homebound. The holidays found Gene baking fruit cakes and fudge for gift giving. During his later years, he studied the piano and enjoyed playing for guests at the farm, residents in area nursing homes, and those in assisted living centers. Gene will be greatly missed by his two sisters: Barbara (Marvin) Mahowald, Millville, CA; and Dorothy (Randy) Hermansen, Eureka, SD; four brothers: Lawrence Mack, Fargo, ND; Stephen (Linda) Mack, Homer, AK; Raymond (Beverly) Mack, Tucson, AZ; and Raphael (Jane) Mack, Aberdeen, SD. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Therese Ann Mack. Honorary casket bearers include all of Gene’s friends. Active casket bearers are Kenneth Fox, Charles Hermansen, David Mack, Gary Mack, Paul Mack, Rodney Mack, Harold Sturm and Richard Sturm. The organist is Jane Rokusek with soloist and song leader Theresa Stehley. Lectors are Randy Hermansen and Theresa (Hermansen) Smallman. Gift bearers are Raphael and Jane Mack. Eucharistic ministers are Ray and Beverly Mack.

Eugene M. Gene Mack
Aug 05 1945 - Dec 29 2010

Eugene “Gene” Matthew Mack went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Watertown with Rev. John Lantsberger officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm at Crawford Funeral Chapel, with a liturgical wake service at 7 pm. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the spring.

Gene was born August 5, 1945, to Joseph N. and Eleanor A. (Fox) Mack in Watertown, SD. He completed his early education at Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Watertown High School with the class of 1963. After attending South Dakota State University, Gene settled on the family farm northeast of Watertown. He raised livestock and lovingly tended his fields of grain, always concerned with the conservation of the land in his farming practices.

Gene was, first and foremost, a devoted son and caregiver to his parents as they aged, allowing them to reside on the farmstead until their passing. Gene was the “glue” that kept his siblings aware of family happenings and made the farm a wonderful haven for family and friends to gather. He became a gourmet cook, finding joy in preparing meals for others. His yard and gardens were meticulously kept. He delighted in generously sharing the fruits of his labors. He regularly visited nursing home residents and the homebound. The holidays found Gene baking fruit cakes and fudge for gift giving. During his later years, he studied the piano and enjoyed playing for guests at the farm, residents in area nursing homes, and those in assisted living centers.

Gene will be greatly missed by his two sisters: Barbara (Marvin) Mahowald, Millville, CA; and Dorothy (Randy) Hermansen, Eureka, SD; four brothers: Lawrence Mack, Fargo, ND; Stephen (Linda) Mack, Homer, AK; Raymond (Beverly) Mack, Tucson, AZ; and Raphael (Jane) Mack, Aberdeen, SD. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Therese Ann Mack.

Honorary casket bearers include all of Gene’s friends.

Active casket bearers are Kenneth Fox, Charles Hermansen, David Mack, Gary Mack, Paul Mack, Rodney Mack, Harold Sturm and Richard Sturm.

The organist is Jane Rokusek with soloist and song leader Theresa Stehley. Lectors are Randy Hermansen and Theresa (Hermansen) Smallman. Gift bearers are Raphael and Jane Mack. Eucharistic ministers are Ray and Beverly Mack.

Guest book

Comment posted by: Kay Lantsberger
Sun 09th Jan 2011 06:25 am

Gene was so kind to my Mom and Dad, especially when both became ill these past years. Dad would mention visits he'd had from Gene after Mom died. It meant a lot. His kindness won't be forgotten.

Comment posted by: Bob and Jo Fox
Tue 04th Jan 2011 07:48 pm

It was great to be reintroduced to and to visit with all of you...Bob's double cousins. We are so sorry for your loss. Turning the corner to come home will never be the same now that Gene will no longer be seen in his yard or walking to his mailbox. That farmstead holds a lot of Mack/Fox history. Take care & God bless!

Comment posted by: Charlie Mack
Tue 04th Jan 2011 04:44 pm

My condolences to the family. I always ejoyed my visits with Gene, he was a good guy and definitely left us too soon.

Comment posted by: Elois Chandler Redlin
Tue 04th Jan 2011 12:25 pm

Gene was in my graduating class of 1963 from Watertown High School. I looked his picture up in my annual, and it brought back memories of him.

Comment posted by: Cindy Adkins
Tue 04th Jan 2011 07:26 am

I am a neighbor of Gene's though we never formally met, we waved to each other and I admired his gardens and flowers. He will be missed. Our sympathy to the family.rnDave and Cindy Adkins

Comment posted by: Pete Mack
Mon 03rd Jan 2011 12:36 pm

I always enjoyed my long visits with Gene and his piano playing, I will miss going by the farm and not seeing him.

Comment posted by: Bob Holborn
Sun 02nd Jan 2011 02:22 pm

We have lost a good person and a good friend that will be missed by many. My sympathy to his family.

Comment posted by: Judy Fox McCune
Sat 01st Jan 2011 05:53 am

I was saddened to hear of Gene's passing. He was so good to both my parents. When I was home visiting them in the summer we frequently had vegetables on the table from his garden.

Comment posted by: Jim and Connie Sturm
Fri 31st Dec 2010 05:06 pm

With love and deepest sympathy to all of Gene's family

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