Gene Muelken
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 20, 2015 @ 6:18 pm In 2015,Obituaries | 34 Comments
Gene Muelken
Gene Muelken passed away on September 18, 2015 at the age of 77. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 1:00 PM with visitation from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Church of St. Michael in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and Gene’s grandchildren will act as urn bearers.
On March 3, 1938, William and Mary (McCann) Muelken welcomed their son, Eugene Nicholas Muelken, into the world. He was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis and was raised in the Prior Lake area. Gene’s family lived on three different farms while he was growing up. He and his siblings developed a strong work helping with daily chores. Gene attended Lakeville High School where he was President of FFA. He graduated in 1956 and enlisted in the New Prague Chapter of the Army Reserves. Gene loved his country and proudly served in the Reserves for six years.
As a teenager, Gene met a beautiful young woman named Suzy. She was the younger sister of Gene’s friend. Gene asked her out many times before she finally agreed to go on a date with him. Gene took Suzy horseback riding for their first date. Even though she was terrified of horses and her horse ran away, Suzy agreed to go on another date with him. They courted for three years and their love grew. Gene and Suzy exchanged wedding vows at Holy Spirit Church in St. Paul on August 27, 1960. They settled in Prior Lake and were blessed with two wonderful children, Kay and Billy.
Gene was a hard worker and always provided a good life for his family. He had many jobs throughout the years and was a true jack of all trades. He was most well-known for owning a local gas station, but he also had a tow truck business, was a mechanic and roofer. Gene’s favorite job was working as a custodian for North West Airlines. He loved the hours, the benefits and especially enjoyed his coworkers.
When Gene wasn’t working, he was spending time with his family and friends. Family has always been the most important thing in Gene’s life, and he would do anything to make them happy. One example of this is when he brought home two Shetland Ponies for his kids. This got him into trouble with Suzy, but the kids loved it. When their kids were little, Gene and Suzy would spend a lot of time at the family cabin. They loved being on the water and enjoyed boating, skiing and fishing together. They’d often invite extended family to join them for the weekend.
His love for the outdoors and being near the water continued once his kids were grown. Suzy and Gene moved to a house on Spring Lake about 20 years ago, and they loved sitting on their patio overlooking the lake. They also took many trips up to their son Billy’s lake resorts in northern Minnesota and Canada. Gene loved being at Billy’s resorts, and he especially liked riding around on the 4-wheeler.
Gene had many hobbies throughout his life. He loved traveling with Suzy, and they took many memorable trips. Gene kept beautiful vegetable gardens, played cards and loved to entertain. Gene had many interests, but his biggest passion was being a husband, father and grandpa. His grandkids were the apple of his eye, and he was so proud of them. Gene was like a dad, grandpa, teacher and best friend to each of his grandkids. He loved spending time with them whether it was taking them for ice cream or giving them rides on his lawn mower. Gene was so loved by his grandkids.
In the 90’s Gene developed some health issues and a vascular condition. He was no longer able to work, and this slowed him down. After many years of battling health issues, Gene is now at peace. On Friday, September 18, 2015 Gene passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side. He was a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor. He will be remembered as a loving husband, caring father and grandpa, and a dear friend to so many.
Gene will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Suzy Muelken; children, Kay Grosklags, Billy (Mary Wyman) Muelken; grandchildren, Ashlee Sames, Amber (Walter) Estenssoro, Dylan Muelken Grosklags; siblings, Frank (Eileen) Muelken, Eileen Ann Muelken, Jack (Linda) Muelken; other loving relatives and friends. Gene’s parents have preceded him in death and were there to greet him in Heaven.
The Muelken family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gene Muelken
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Gene Muelken”
I bet he is Patty!! Thanks for spending time with us. Love you.
Suzy, Kay and Billy
I’m sorry for y’alls loss. I’ll keep y’all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you!
One of the finest people we ever knew and are still proud to say his was family. He was always there if needed. Love to all.
Jim. Liz, Ginny Dave, & Shea
Thanks honey. Love you honey
One of the finest people we ever knew and are still proud to say his was family. He was always there if needed. Love to all.
Jim. Liz, Ginny Dave, & Shea
Thank you Weningers. You all have been so much help for us. Love you all.
Suzy/ Ashlee -So sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you. Jeanie and Kyle Tutsch
Thanks honey. Love you honey
Thanks so much!!!
Suzy and Ashlee
Suzy/family thinking of you in our prayers I guess that Gene and my brother Bill drank many gallons of coffee together.
Thanks Gene! Yes they were the best of friends.
Gene Muelken Family
Suzy and family,
We were sad to hear of Gene’s passing. We know he is not suffering anymore but it doesn’t make it any easier. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Meg, Cliff, Austin and Derek DeFor
Thank you so much Meg and Family.
Suzy, Kay and Billy
I love you…and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thanks so much Aprille. Gene is at peace now. Love you much.
Suzy, Kay, and Billy
Love you Lori.
Suzy, Kay, and Billy
I’m so sorry for your loss; what a fight Gene put up and what a wonderful wife and family he had to help him through it all.
Gene was very fortunate to have such a loving and compassionate family. He is living the perfect life in heaven now. God bless you all.
Thanks Cheryl. Your words mean a lot.
Gene Muelken Family
May God be with you all during this time, he fought the good fight and endured a lot. Suzy, you were a great caregiver through it all. Everyone loved Gene and Suzy Muelken!
Thank you Mike and Cindy.
Gene Muelken Family
To the Family of Gene Muelken,
I wish to express to the family of Gene Muelken my deepest sympathy. Gene was an all around great guy, It seems just like yesterday when Gene was pumping gas at his gas station in Prior Lake all those years ago. I know Gene will be missed by all those who knew him. Things Gene left undone must stay that way. Gene Muelken now belongs to the ages but we liked it better when he belonged to us. Gene now lives on only in
our memory. He is home he is free. We owe you Suzy a debt of gratitude for taking care of Gene all these
years, especially during his long illness. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time.
May the Strength and Wisdom of the Great Spirit be with all of you during this difficult time especially to you
Suzy, Kay and Billie.
Your Friend,
Glynn A. Crooks
Member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Glynn,
Thank you so much. Dad was a man that would do anything for anyone. You truly know my dad. Thanks for the wonderful words Glynn!!
Suzy, Kay and Billy
Dear Suzy, Kay and Billy;
It is so hard to lose the ones you love. I think about you guys everyday,
I know right now it is hard just remember that it does get better. Both of
my parents are gone now and I still miss them, Remember that he now can
watch over you all and no longer has to suffer. Remember him when the flowers
bloom and the vegetables ripen that is how he would want you to think of him.
Remember that we all love you, and will miss you terribly.
Sharon
one of your partners in crime at work.
Suzy, Kay, Billy and family,
We are so saddened by Gene’s passing and truly hope that memories of happier times will bring you comfort, peace, and some smiles. He was a good man who touched so many lives; and we consider ourselves blessed to have had him in ours. May he rest in peace. We love you!
I’m sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
So truly sorry to hear of Gene’s passing and would like to offer, on behalf of Bill and Eleanor Sullivan’s family, which included one of Gene’s best friends my brother, Tom, our deepest sympathy. He was one of the nicest persons ever and remember the times when he would be at our house in Lakeville!! He will be missed greatly and want you, Eileen, to know he was one of the greatest friends.
Suzy, Kay and Billy ,
I am so sorry for your loss. You now have a special angel watching over you. I hope you find peace and comfort in all the memories you have. When I was young Gene and Suzy were like my aunt and uncle. You both could light up the darkest room.
My deepest sympathy,
Kerry McCullum
So sorry to hear that Gene has passed. We have thought of you often and always admired your perseverance in caring for him. It has been a long road for all of you. We are sorry that we were unable to make it to the funeral today. Please know that you are all in our hearts as you go through these next days and weeks of adjusting to life with out your beloved Gene.
Just heard about Gene’s passing…Although I haven’t seen you in some time, please know that you all are in my thoughts & prayers!
Greg Muelken & family
Suzy, Billy and Kay I am so sorry for your loss . Although I have not seen you guys in many years I do know what a wonderful man Gene was I always loved being around him . You are all in my thoughts and Prayers. (Annette Muelken)
Billy, and the Muelken family, so sorry to hear about the loss of Gene. He was a great guy! Prayers out to you all!
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/gene-muelken/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
I’m so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathies and condolences to everyone. Just know he’s playing cards with Bernice right now!