Gene B. Toenies, age 90 of Melrose, passed away peacefully Friday, December 7, 2018 at Pine Villa CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, December 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Rev. Marvin Enneking officiated with Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating, and Deacon Ernie Kociemba assisting. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose following the lunch.
EuGene Bernard Toenies was born February 18, 1928 in Freeport, Minnesota to Henry and Anna (Willenbring) Toenies. He was united in marriage to Janet Budde on August 21, 1950 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. Gene worked at Stearns Electric in Melrose for 37 years. He also drove chartered buses and school bus for 24 years at Mayers in Melrose and for the Richmond Bus Company of Richmond. Gene enjoyed playing cards, hunting and fishing and driving school bus. He can be remembered for his sense of humor and his quick wit.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose.
Gene will be deeply missed by his children, Nancy Rausch of Grey Eagle, LeRoy Toenies and his wife, Judy of Akeley, Bryan Toenies and his wife, Wendy of Brooklyn Park, and Steve “Scooby” Toenies and his wife, Sara of Melrose; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brothers, Al Toenies and his wife, Marty of Royalton and Rich Toenies and his wife, Phyllis of Kelliher; sisters-in-law, Jen Toenies of Melrose and Rita Toenies of St. Cloud; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Budde) Toenies; sons, Gary Toenies and Dave Toenies; son-in-law, Jim Rausch; parents, Henry and Anna Toenies, sisters and brothers, Marie Rau, Cel Toenies, Ed Toenies, Harry Toenies, and Lou Ann Kemper; brothers and sister-in-law, Louie Rau, Audrey Toenies, and Arnie Kemper.
Serving as casket bearers were Christopher Toenies, Parker Toenies, Brad Toenies, Avery Toenies, Troy Breitenbach, and Greg Yeater. Cross bearer was Nancy Rausch, scripture bearer was Tara Yeater and memorial flower bearer was Beth Breitenbach. Gift bearers were Xander and Brax Breitenbach and Sara Toenies. The vocalist for the Mass was Christine DuHoux.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.