Gene Orvis Stageberg, 83, of Dell Rapids, SD passed away suddenly Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Minnehaha Funeral Home Chapel in Dell Rapids. Burial will be in West Nidaros Lutheran Cemetery, rural Crooks. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the funeral home.

Gene was born in Baltic, SD on March 28, 1935 to parents Oscar and Hilda (Aasan) Stageberg. He grew up in Baltic and enjoyed many activities including football, basketball bowling, golf, baseball, and spending time with friends. In 1954 Gene joined the US Army and spent time in Germany. In 1956 he transferred to the Army Reserve and returned to South Dakota.

On March 9, 1974 Gene married Edna Johnson Turner and moved to Dell Rapids, gaining six children, Tony Turner, Pavillion, WY, Greg (Bobbi Olson) Turner, Baltic, Michael (Lori) Turner, Renner, Robyn Moser, Sioux Falls, Susan (Bob) Lucas, Champaign, IL, and Nancy Eulberg, Dell Rapids. He loved being called Grandpa.

Gene worked for the Baltic Telephone Company and Citibank. In his spare time enjoyed remodeling projects, painting, sports, completing detailed historical photo albums, and spending time with family. In May of 1993 he contracted Herpes Simplex Encephalitis and lost all short term memory. He then developed a walking path in Dell Rapids. Along this path he would stop and visit people in the community, enjoying each conversation.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Florence Fiegen and Dorothy Wenzel; and brother, Robert Stageberg.

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