Eugene “Gene” Russell Standish
July 29, 1938 ~ February 5, 2022
Eugene “Gene” R. Standish, 83, Brandon, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Ava’s hospice house, from pancreatic cancer.
Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Faith United Church, Brandon, SD. A time of group sharing will start at 6:00pm. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00am, Friday, February 11, 2022, also at Faith United Church. Burial will follow at the New Woodlawn Cemetery in Pipestone, MN. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Faith United Church or the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department, in Gene’s memory. Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
Eugene “Gene” Russell Standish was born on July 29, 1938, to Russell and Effie (Spoelstra) Standish, in Hatfield, MN. He grew up in Hatfield and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1956.
Gene was united in marriage to Lois Rasmussen on May 28, 1960. He worked at the Boat Plant in Pipestone after he graduated, until 1961, when they moved to Sioux Falls, SD. In 1966, they moved to Brandon, SD, where he has lived for the past 56 years. Gene worked at Raven Industries for eleven years, and in 1972, began a career in the trucking industry. He worked for American Freight and Yellow Freight, where he retired in 2001. He worked forty years part-time and full-time, driving school bus and a van for the Brandon Valley School District.
Gene has been a member of Faith United Church since 1966. He was a Deacon, worked on various committees, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He served on the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department for twenty years, and has been a long-time member of Teamsters Union 120 (formerly 720). He also was a coach for Little League softball for several years. He liked to travel, fish, watch sports, and attend Twins baseball and Vikings football games with his sons. Gene especially liked spending time with his grandchildren fishing and attending their games, concerts, and other school events.
Grateful for sharing his life is his wife, Lois; his children, Tom (Maridell) Standish, Sioux City, IA, Kim (Paul) Runia, Brandon, Lori (Dana) Cole, Brandon, and Brian (Tracy) Standish, Sioux Falls; daughter-in-law, Cathy Standish (Rick’s wife), Oakdale, MN; grandchildren, Jennifer Standish, Jack Standish, Caitlynn Runia, Caden Runia, Hunter Cole, Tanner Cole, Elizabeth Cole, Katelyn Morehouse (Mason Thomas), and William Winstead; great-grandson, Finn Thomas; brother, Richard (Dehlia) Standish, Whittier, CA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gene was preceded in death by his son, Rick Standish; his parents, Russell and Effie Standish; his brother, Donald Standish, and his wife, Irene; and his sister, Delores Totman, and her husband, Earl.
Gene was such a wonderful guy! Always willing to help and always with a smile. We will miss you Gene!
So sorry for your loss. May God be with you and comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Gene was an awesome guy. He will always be held in my mind and heart as such. Heaven’s gain is a major loss for us down here. See you again. Geno.
Kim, I dont know if you remember me. I worked at L.B.A years ago. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Memories of your dad can never be taken away. Sandy
Lois and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb Larson
Prayers for all the Family
Lois & family….Gene will be missed by many. He always had a smile on his face and took the time to chat to see how things were going with myself and the boys.
I will never forget the first time meeting both of you. You welcomed me just like I was your family.
Will always remember all the times going to your house in Brandon and enjoying that time visiting with Gene. That smile of his lite up a room.
It was so nice to see both of you at Renee’s this last May and I am really glad that I did get to see him then. Thinking of all of you during this time and God’s blessings to you.
Love,
Dawn
I am saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Lois and your family.
Lois and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gene was always so pleasant to talk to. I could never thank you enough for opening up your home to my daughter, Susie, when I needed a babysitter. May Gene rest in peace and be free of pain.
Sharon
We first met Gene when I joined the Brandon Fire Dept. He was a good mentor and friend. Rest in peace Gene.
Lois and Family,
Brent and I are so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. We are truly blessed to have been your neighbors for 28+ years. Gene has always been kind, caring and helpful in so many ways. We will miss him.
Lois and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Gene was an amazing man that everyone who knew him —- loved him. For the past 25 years we have known Gene and Lois while attending Faith United Church in Brandon. Gene was such a sensitive, kind, and giving giving man. What made Gene great was WHO HE WAS — and not by what he did. Gene always had a big beautiful smile and was always willing to help someone if they needed help. Gene was very proud of ALL of his kids and grandkids. Gene will be missed by a whole lot of people. Please know we have been praying for your family and we offer our most sincere sympathy to all of you.
I first met Gene as a 4 year old when our family moved to Brandon. Lois babysat for me while my mom worked at John Morrell’s. Gene, Lois and family couldn’t have been nicer to me. They opened up their home and treated me like family. I am forever grateful for my times with the Standish family. Gene will be missed by many. He was a great man.
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Very fond memories throughout the years visiting with Gene as he could always make you laugh. He will be greatly missed. Celebrate Gene’s life and treasure the many memories. Sending prayers to the Standish family.