Eugene Fineran, 89, Owatonna

Eugene ‘Gene’ Fineran, 89, of Owatonna, joined Jesus in heaven on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.

Funeral service was Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Brick Meger Funeral Home in Owatonna. Friends greeted the family one hour prior to the funeral. Military honors were provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

He was born in his family home on Aug. 16, 1935, in Denison, Iowa. He and his family moved to a farm outside of Hope and lived there until moving to Owatonna when he was 10 years old. He was always so proud to say he lived in Owatonna.

His 65-year marriage to Angie began with a proposal letter that was so sweet and heartfelt she kept it all those years to remind her of the precious man she married.

Gene was always hardworking starting with a paper route, setting pins up manually at the bowling alley, running a hay bailing business with his father, renovating apartments, real estate investing and many other jobs until plumbing became his career. Gene and Angie started and ran a plumbing business together until their retirement.

After retirement, they enjoyed traveling in their motor home exploring different areas of the United States. Planning those trips for him was as much fun as the experience.

Gene also made time for his family. He enjoyed good natured teasing that always came along with his special grin.

Gene loved spending time with his five grandchildren. Creating wood projects, building a go cart, playing games, rides on the lawn mower and mopeds, teaching them useful life skills, and many camping trips full of memories.

Most importantly he had a strong faith in God and lived a life that reflected his beliefs.

He will be deeply missed by his sister Corrine Ratzloff (Jim) and his children Marsha Ritter (Peter), Michele (Dave) Bendorf, Mike (Julie) Fineran; five grandchildren, Ryan (Courtney) Furey, Kayla (Alec) Schmidt, Matt Bendorf, Noah Fineran, and Tom (Chelsie) Bendorf; and great grandson Finn Bendorf who was lovingly named after his Great Grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Angie; sister, Jan Blazek (Emil) and his ‘brother’ Gordy Toft.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent directly to donor’s choice.

The family would like to say a deeply heart felt thank you to the Timberdale Trace caregivers for all their compassion and extremely loving care that they provided.