Age 59, of Richmond, formerly of South Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 23, 2019 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven with Rev. Peter Preus officiating. Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Clearwater. Visitation will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2019 at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred.
Gene Henry Vinkemeier was born October 28, 1959 in Shakopee, Minnesota to Edward and Lorraine (Thaemert) Vinkemeier. Gene lived in Norwood Young America, until his family moved to Annandale in the late 1960’s. Gene attended and graduated high school from Annandale in 1978. Upon his graduation, Gene worked as a painter before he began his long-time employment at Olson Farms in South Haven, where he worked for 20+ years. In July of 1982, he was united in marriage to Juliet Nelson in Annandale. Gene loved being on or near the water, with a lot of his time spent on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes either boating or fishing. Gene had a magnetic personality that drew people to him. He was always playing a joke on someone, making someone laugh, or sharing treats, such as jerky or donuts, with people he cared about. He generously gave away items, whether you wanted it or needed it. Gene was also a good cook with lasagna as one of his specialties. Above all, Gene cherished the time he was able to spend with his daughters and grandsons.
Gene is survived by his daughters, Jessi (Landon) Lipponen of Annandale, Kristi Vinkemeier (significant other, Jon Kregel) of Zimmerman, and Carrie Vinkemeier (significant other, Josh Snyder) of Aspen, CO; 3 adoring grandsons, Charles, William and Samuel; siblings, Harlan (Nena) of Norwood Young America, Edward (Kathryn) of Annandale, and Dean (Pat) of South Haven; sister-in-law, Colleen Vinkemeier of Annandale; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Holly; parents, Edward & Lorraine; and brother, Gary.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.
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