Gene Allen Elvehjem was born May 12, 1943 in Glenwood, Minnesota to Johnnie and Velma Elvehjem.  He died on May 21, 2022 at the age of 79.

Gene was united in marriage to Janice Rae (Gilbertson) Elvehjem on September 18, 1965.   They shared 56.5 years of devoted marriage.  Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served at Fort Monmouth, NJ from January 1965 to January 1967.  Following his service, he completed a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts Education at St. Cloud State University, before teaching for 4 years at Forest Lake High School.  In 1975, Gene, Jan, and their three children moved to the farm where Jan grew up outside of Mora, MN.  Gene then worked as a mail carrier for 24 years, until his retirement.

Gene had many hobbies and passionate interests.  He was an amateur blacksmith, demonstrating his skills in many events over the years, and mentoring several aspiring apprentices.  He loved to work with metal and wood, designing and creating many pieces, and enjoyed giving his creations as gifts.  Gene was a collector of guns, tools, brass, and anything else he found interesting.  He looked forward to hunting season all year and loved being at the shack with the guys.  Gene also loved music.  He was an accomplished singer, and also played several instruments, including the guitar and banjo.  He frequently sang duets with Jan over the years, as well as performing quartets with three brothers-in-law and with the Hillman Bluegrass Band.  Gene was an avid reader and learner throughout his life.

Gene's faith was strong.  He loved the Lord and His Word, and looked forward to spending eternity in Heaven.  Gene loved and cherished his family, and his greatest joy was spending time with them.  He delighted in his 8 grandchildren and attended as many of their activities as he possibly could, even while dealing with significant mobility issues.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Velma Elvehjem, and infant brother, Kevin.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Jan, sister Donna Herdman of Parkers Prairie, MN, brother Leo (Helen) Elvehjem of Glenwood, MN, sister Sharon (Joel) Jergenson of Willmar, MN, brother Ken (Kay) Elvehjem of Lowry, MN, and sister Joyce (Ron) Elvehjem of Old Harbor, AK; his children Ethan (Krista) Elvehjem of Mora, MN, Matt (Tressa) Elvehjem of Denver, CO, and Lara (Troy) Derksen of Corinth, TX, as well as 8 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Hillman Baptist Church.  Visitation will be on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 5 until 7 P.M. at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home in Mora as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial with military honors by the Mora American Legion will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Gene's service can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/lkZL3kitvL8.

Arrangements by Dresser-Methven Funeral and Cremation Services.