Eugene "Gene" Stoen

Eugene “Gene” Stoen, age 80, of Decorah, IA, died on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, WI. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2016, at Big Canoe Lutheran Church, 1381 Big Canoe Road, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Kurt Bockoven presiding. Burial will be in the Big Canoe Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Monday morning. Eugene “Gene” Kenneth Stoen was born on January 18, 1936, the son of Knut and Mildred (Leikvold) Stoen in Spring Grove, MN. Gene graduated from Decorah High School in 1954. He served in the US Army, during the Korean Conflict. He was married to Caryl Dickman on July 19, 1959, at the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church; they later divorced. Gene farmed and milked cows until 1976. He also worked at the Midland Coop and Scott’s Printing. Gene married the love of his life, Darlene Tollefson Frey on July 27, 1997, at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church. Gene loved to hunt, fish, bowl, barbecue and go to the Boat gambling. He also served on the military honor group proving final rites for veterans at the cemetery. Gene was very social and enjoyed having coffee at McDonalds and playing cards at the Hay Market. Above all, Gene loved and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Gene was a member of the Big Canoe Lutheran Church and the Helof Holm VFW Chapter #1977. Gene is survived by his wife: Darlene Stoen, Decorah, IA. Three children: Larry (Diana) Stoen, Rochester, MN; Linette (Kevin) Ritter, Rushford, MN; and Lisa (Steve) Rea, Waterloo, IA. Five step-children: Alan Frey, Houston, TX; Kristi McCabe (special friend, Randy Luzum), Decorah, IA; Jerry (Heather) Frey, Decorah, IA; Billy (Jennifer) Frey, Spillville, IA; and Cindy (Shaun) Hoyme, Decorah, IA. Grandchildren: Melissa (Ben) Kohler, Rachel (Brian) Hochstein, Troy Stoen, Tyler Ritter, Trey (fiancé, Renee Ryan) Ritter, Tatum Ritter, Morgan (Michael) Stanford, Thea Moe, and James Rea. Step-grandchildren: Nathan, Macy and Reece Frey, Troy (fiancé, Molly Brusse) Hovey, Ashley (fiancé Ruben Dejesus), Harley McCabe, Lexi McCabe, Michael McCabe, McKenzie Frey, Teesha Frey, Delaynee Frey, James and Noah Hoyme. One brother: Wilbur (Eunice) Stoen, Decorah, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents: Knut and Mildred (Leikvold) Stoen. Two sisters: Betty (Norman) Thies and Norma (Max) Shaffer. One step-great grandchild: Amber Frey. His father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leo and Emma Tollefson.