Eugene M. LaCasse

Our greatest storyteller has finished his final chapter. Gene’s remarkable stories begin with his family farm in Centerville, MN where he was the youngest of Cyril and Delina’s 11 children. Farm chores, fur trapping with his collie, Buster, his french speaking, pipe smoking Grandma, his Mom’s chicken business, the “party” phone line, Armistice Day snowstorm of 1940 and more. A natural athlete, he excelled at hockey, football and baseball. He played on the Hugo Frenchmen team until his mid thirties, maintaining a 310 batting average. He was a sportsman, with memories of elk hunting in the Rocky Mountains, walleye fishing in Canada, deer and duck hunting in Minnesota. After graduation from White Bear Lake High School, Gene married Bernice Marier. Together they bought farmland in Hugo, raised 10 children and owned B&G Farms for 27 years. After divorce in 1980, he moved to Texas, where he was employed for many years as a cross country truck driver. He was especially fond of New Mexico’s scenery. After “retiring” from driving, Gene moved to St. Croix Falls WI. Not one to sit idle, he found employment at a Wisconsin canning plant. 12 hour night shifts qualified him for winter unemployment, which delighted him to no end at his “advanced” age. Even as his physical body waned, his mind remained sharp. Always ready with a story or a joke. We may have heard it before, but no matter, we were happy to hear it again. The stories of his life taught us about him. We admired his strong work ethic, his sense of humor, his loving heart. Gene was greeted in heaven by his oldest son, Gordon; granddaughter, Rachelle; his parents and his 10 older siblings. He is survived by children, Sharon, Thomas, Bruce (Janet), Linda (Steve), Daniel (Tama), David (Linnea) Gary, Carolyn (Kevin) and Tim (Shelly). He is “Pepe” to 21+ grandchildren; 30+ great-grandchildren; and a handful of great great grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his life partner of 40+ years, Sandy Wolleat. Our family is forever grateful to Traci and Tom Dubois, who made a special home on their farm for Gene and Sandy. They made it possible for Gene to spend his final months surrounded by love, livestock, good dogs and farm talk. He ended every phone call with “Thank you for calling”. How blessed we are that we had so many years to say to him “Thank you for answering”. A celebration of Gene's life will start at 9:30 AM Saturday, April 23, 2022 with breakfast and sharing of memories until the Memorial Service begins at 11 AM Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. For those who would like to attend, the interment will take place following the memorial service at Wolf Creek Cemetery, St. Croix Falls, WI. The service will be livestreamed here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1650497355179533