Gene F. Almquist

Gene F. Almquist, age 78; of Hastings, member of Teamsters #120, died at home December 24, 2008 surrounded by his family. Gene was born in Hastings on October 6, 1930 to David and Marion (Nelson) Almquist. He was a 1948 graduate of Hastings High School. Gene married Carol Place on June 2, 1956 in the English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, WI and when drafted shortly after, was stationed in Germany for a portion of his service in the Army. He was a life long farmer and a long haul truck driver, retiring from Yellow Freight in 1996. Gene had a passion for traveling with Carol in their R.V., and will be long remembered as that sparkling conversationalist and special friend to all. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son. He is survived by his wife Carol; children Debbie Almquist of St. Peters, MO, Kristi (Terry) Greuel, Janelle (Trygve) Behny all of Hastings, Nancy (Brian) Daigle of Burnsville, Cathy (Tim) Renken of Tampa, FL, Eric Gene (Terese) Almquist of Oakdale; also 11 grandchildren; sisters June (Hugh) Jelley, Maye (Charles) Curtis , Faye (Russell) Vermillion all of Hastings, Ferne (Bert) Lessard of Maple Grove; also many other relatives and friends. The funeral service, officiated by Rev. Doug Duin will be held at 11am Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Our Saviour's Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 9th St. W., Hastings. The visitation will be held from 4-8pm Monday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 E. 7th St. Hastings and also 1 hr. prior to service at church on Tuesday.Interment will follow in the Lakeside Cemetery. The pallbearers are Jim Caneff, Jerry Eisert, Russ Vermillion, Teddy Place, Paul Curtis, and Kevin Ide. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donors choice.