Gene Woldahl, 58, of rural Ashby, died Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at his home under the care of Lakeland Hospice.
Gene Arlen Woldahl was born on September 18, 1956 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Erwin and Adeline (Lundeen) Woldahl. He grew up on a farm located on the shores of Jolly Ann Lake. He was baptized and confirmed in the Grue Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member and was on the church council. Gene attended Ashby Public School, graduating in 1974.
Gene and Charlotte Heller were married on July 11, 1991. He had bought his grandfather's farm and was employed with Delzer Construction Co., where he worked for twenty years. After their marriage, they purchased their current farm where Gene dug a basement, moved on a house and put up buildings. They started their own cow calf operation and Gene began to farm full time raising Angus Limousine cattle. He took a lot of pride in his cows but for years to come he still enjoyed evening drives around the countryside, where he would share his construction day stories of digging in pipe for a road or a building, the weather, the men he worked with, the backhoes and dozers, and the electrical hazards underground or overhead. Gene loved playing cards, fishing, snowmobiling, and especially the quiet mornings of deer and duck hunting. Gene was a president of the North St. Olaf 4H Club and loved to help his kids train and show their cattle. He was a member of the Eagle Lake Sportsman Club where he had served as treasurer. He loved telling stories with his friends and Gene especially enjoyed time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Char; two step-children, Matthew Heller of Ashby and Amanda (Michael Restad) Heller of Moorhead (Pelican Rapids); brother, Jim of Honolulu, HI; two sisters, LuAnne (Larry) Pikala and Karen (Doug) Dahlen both of Fergus Falls; three nieces, Julie, Angie and Brittney; nephew, Cody; great-nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Wesley Shaffer of Clitherall; and by numerous relatives and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved son, Justin Carl Woldahl; parents, Erwin and Adeline Woldahl; and mother-in-law, Helaine Shaffer.
Visitation: Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM with a 2:30 PM Prayer Service at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Monday, March 30, 2015 at Grue Lutheran Church of rural Ashby
Clergy: Rev. Carol Olson
Interment: Grue Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ashby
Gene's Memorial Folder