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.
