Eugene Donald Zaudtke

Born Eugene Donald Zaudtke on the 27th of June 1931, sadly departed this earth on June 13th 2023. The youngest of seven children born June 27, 1931 to Emil and Wilhelmina Zaudtke in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Gene's youth was spent working various odd jobs, from working on his aunt and uncle's farm in Kroschel, to track-man at the Hinckley railroad station. He would often return to Hinckley to visit with longtime friends.

Upon returning to Hinckley after his Army discharge in 1954, Gene met for the first time his soon-to-be wife Florence Kubat at the Tobies bus station. Gene and Florence were wed in January of 1955.  Together they moved to Forest Lake where Gene worked as an officer for the Forest Lake Police Department. During the time they lived in Forest Lake they welcomed five children into their lives.  In 1974, Gene left the Police Department shortly after the birth of their fifth child and moved the family to Harris. There he worked for the Mengelkoch Corporation for the next 25 years until his retirement in 1993.  Gene was an avid wood-worker and took great pride in creating toy trains for his grandchildren.  Gene was a proud Korean War Veteran as well as an American Legion member of 63 years.

Gene is survived by his son Lance Zaudtke (Barbara Westbee) of Harris, daughters Cheri (Ken) Germeaux of Onalaska, Washington, Gina (Greg) Sostak of Askov, Jodi (Eric) Ellsworth of Harris; grandchildren Wade, Ken, Travis, SherryJo, Matthew, Becky, BillieJo, Mike, Brent, Jason, Casey, Tom, Kyle, Dan; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister-in-law Sylvia Zaudtke of Duluth; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends that will miss his storytelling and easy going manner.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Flo, son Lon, son-in-law Matthew Williams, parents Emil & Wilhelmina, siblings Albert, Arnold, Bernice, Edward, Herman and Luella.

Father Chuck Brambrilla will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Gene: 11 AM Tuesday, June 27th at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City.  A time of visitation and reviewal will be held from 5-8 PM Monday (6/26) at the Olson Funeral Chapel with a prayer service at 7:30 PM and 1 hour prior to the Mass at the church.  

Funeral arrangements for Eugene Zaudtke are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com