Gene Renstrom

Algene Louis Renstrom, 87, of Willmar, died Friday, April 24th at his home. His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Friday, May 8th at Church of St. Mary in Willmar. His visitation will be from 9:00 am until the start of his service at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Willmar. Memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Church or CentraCare Hospice. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Gene's service will be livestreamed on the church's website (https://www.ourlivingwater.org/generenstrom.html )

Algene Louis “Gene” Renstrom was born April 20, 1939, to Gordon and Lillian (Strand) Renstrom on the family farm. He attended District 89 Country School and graduated from Atwater Cosmos High School in 1957. Following graduation, Gene enlisted in the United States Army, where he honorably served from 1960 to 1966.

On October 13, 1962, Gene was united in marriage to Alice Marie Mathiowetz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bechyn. They were blessed with a daughter, Renae, and made their home in Willmar, where they shared 63 wonderful years together.

Gene began his career working behind the counter at Oman’s Supply and later became a traveling salesman for Broman’s Supply and Action Auto Supply. He was a dedicated and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willmar, contributing his time to spring and fall clean-up, preparing hotdish for funerals for many years, serving as a Eucharistic Minister from 2008 to 2023, and helping pack holiday food bags.

Gene found joy in collecting cars, trucks, and toy tractors, and he took great pride in maintaining his immaculate yard and vehicles. He enjoyed playing cards—especially when he could outplay his grandchildren—as well as snowmobiling and boating. Summers were often spent at the family cabin on Big Kandiyohi Lake, while winters were enjoyed in Fort Myers Beach, FL.

Above all, Gene will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend.

Gene is survived by his wife, Alice; children: Renae (Scott) Brunner of Savage; grandchildren: Kelly (Anthony) DiBella and their children: Theo and Lucy, Marisa Brunner, and Ryan (fiancée, Emily) Brunner; siblings: Allen (Gloria) Renstrom, Madeline Radtke, Linda (Bob) Gauer, and LeRoy (Becky) Renstrom and other family and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Ralph Radtke.

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