Eugene Edwards

Eugene C. Edwards, age 78 of Elysian, died on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato following his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 11th at 11:00 A.M. at All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake with Fr. Robert Schneider, and Rev. Howard Skulstad, officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Elysian.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 8 P.M. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home in Janesville, and will continue on Thursday morning for one hour prior to services, at church.

Eugene Charles was born July 30, 1934 in Crow Lake, South Dakota to Eli and Ann (Petrosky) Edwards. He was baptized in Crow Lake, SD at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and confirmed at Ss Peter & Paul's Catholic Church in Blue Earth. Gene grew up in Elmore and graduated from Elmore High School in 1952, and went on to attend the University of Minnesota. In 1956 began serving his country as a member of the United States Army Reserves. On April 12, 1958 he was united in marriage to Connie Brakke, and they later divorced. For many years Gene was in business with his father; Edwards and Son Farmers Livestock in the Elmore Area. He later changed careers and became a successful Knights of Columbus Insurance Representative. On December 30, 1998 he married Leatrice Matheson. Gene was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake. He was a longtime member and Past Commander of the Elysian American Legion Post #311, and was proud to have served as a member of the Honor Guard. He had also been a 14 year member of the Mankato River Blenders, and a former member and Past Grand Knight of the Blue Earth Knights of Columbus. Gene was a fun person to travel with, and was very blessed to have traveled all 50 United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, and Norway. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially college football, and following the Minnesota Vikings and Twins (when they were winning!). Gene loved living on Lake Francis. He enjoyed gardening and was known for raising the best sweet corn and tomatoes. His faith and his family were very important to him, as was the love he had for his country. He was a true patriot.

He is survived by his wife, Leatrice; by his children, Michael Edwards of Rochester, Marjorie (Jim) Edwards-Toepel of Richfield, and Judy (Steve) Moe of Lakeville; by his step-children, Monica Trembley of Westerville, OH, Allison (John) Laudati of Granby, CT, Renae Hiller of Eugene, OR, and Mike Matheson of Bella Vista, AR; grandchildren, Joshua Edwards, J. Michael Edwards-Toepel, Elise Edwards-Toepel, Kate (Patrick) Sande, Anthony Moe, Megan Moe, and Austin Moe; great granddaughter, Katie Edwards; by 9 step-grandchildren and 13 step-great grandchildren; by his sisters, Darlene (Bill) Johnson of Banning, CA, and Donna (Bob) Duffy of Mesa, AZ, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Jim Johnson, and nephew, Jason Johnson.