Gene Katzung, 73, Owatonna

Gene R. Katzung, age 73, passed away peacefully Dec. 10, 2025, in Owatonna.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 810 South Cedar Ave., Owatonna.

Visitation will take place on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home from 4–7 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service at the church. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

Gene was born in Owatonna to parents Manville and Doris (Erickson) Katzung.

He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1971. He entered the National Guard and served for eight years. Gene started working as a machinist at OMC, working for several manufacturers and eventually retiring with Truth Hardware.

Gene married Darlene Halla Sept. 15, 1972, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna.

He was a constant presence at area Rendezvous over the years. Gene enjoyed fishing, but especially the numerous fishing trips to one of his favorite places in Canada over the years. Most of all he loved being with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene; children, Corey (Lill) Katzung of Owatonna, and Connie (Brian) Nelson of Jasper, Ga.; grandchildren, Tabitha, Sasha, and Tyler; great-granddaughters, Serenity and Olivia; siblings, Jerry, Vernelle (Karen), Bette Sponholtz, Janann (Rod) Langer, and Dixie Bradbury.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sibling, Merle (Donna).

For more information or to leave an online condolence message, go to www.megercares.com.