Eugene L. Reed

Eugene L. Reed, 91, of rural Racine, MN  died on Tuesday (May 26, 2020) of complications following a stroke,  at Homestead Rehabilitation Center in Rochester, MN where he had been a resident for the past 2 weeks.

Eugene Lester Reed was born on March 16, 1929, in  Concord, MN to Maurice and Dorothy(Nelson) Reed.  He grew up in rural Spring Valley and moved with his family to the Rock Dell, MN area. He attended Rochester H.S. graduating in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army including duty overseas in Germany and following his discharge returned to Rochester. Gene was married on June 13, 1953, in Rochester to Lucine Beverly Cuffel. Following their marriage, the couple lived in the Marvale Addition in Rochester and then rural Rochester before moving to rural Racine in 1964 where they raised their family and have continued to make their home.  Gene was a long-time farmer and was employed at IBM in Rochester for 34 years. Lucine had a long secretarial career including a number of years at First Bank in Rochester as the bank President’s executive secretary. Gene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. He was an active member of the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 serving  with it’s Honor Guard  and on various boards.  The Reeds have raised horses and rode as a family since their children were young. Both Gene and Lucine were active members in the Rochester Riders Saddle Club  After their retirements, they spent 2 months in the summer for 8 years as camp hosts at French Creek Horse Camp at Custer State Park in the Black Hills, SD. Gene was  a member of the Mounted Posse of Mower County and enjoyed numerous horse trips with other cowpoke friends locally and  to states out West. He participated in actual cattle drives and rode in the South Dakota Bison Round-up. He also enjoyed just sitting on his front porch or mowing, which also  included 20 years of mowing St. Johns Cemetery. He enjoyed visiting with friends and loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren                                                                                                                                                         

Gene is survived by 3 daughters and 1 son; Rebecca (Curtis) Kuecker of Rochester; Roberta Beaver of Racine; Holly (Kelly) Carlson of Savage, MN and Michael (MaryAnn) Reed of rural Racine; 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife – Lucine, his parents, 1 sister and 3 brothers.

A private family committal service and burial will take place at St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery in rural Pleasant Valley,MN with Rev. Byron Meline officiating.  A time of visitation for friends will take place as a drive-by at St. Johns Cemetery next to the Reed Family Farm (30982 745th Ave. / Racine,MN 55967) on Saturday (May  30,  2020) form 3:30 to 5:00 P.M. The Reed Family suggests memorials to St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery Assn. or the Stewartville American Legion. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Gene are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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