Gene L. Fairbanks
April 2, 1933 ~ October 22, 2011
Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa. Age 78 of Forest Lake, passed away unexpectedly on October 22nd. Preceded in death by brothers, Jerry Kenny. Survived by wife, Shirley; daughters, Shannon (Stu) Dunn, Lori (Bill) Jeans, Heidi (Lee) Falck, Angie (Randy) Karpik; grandchildren; Michelle, Melissa, Shawn, McKenzie, Taylor, Jamie, Molly, Aimee, Mike, Katie, Josh, Jake, Jory; great grandchildren; Declan, Quinn, Malaika, Nolan, Lydia; brothers, Melvin (Jeanine),Dale (Sharon), Delmer (Jean), Jim (Pat); sisters, Joyce (Orman) Beecher, Janice (Jerome) Nelson; sister-in-laws, Delores Walene. Gene was born on April 2, 1933 in North Branch, the fourth in a family of nine. Growing up he worked on the family farm, and excelled in basketball, baseball, track, and football. In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart Shirley, enlisted in the United States Army, and was a Veteran of the Korean War. Returning from the service, Gene Shirley started their family and launched his career in the printing industry. Gene was a member of The Forest Lake American Legion and VFW, Masonic Lodge. He was a great sports fan, an avid bowler with Team Fairbanks who enjoyed woodworking, and spending time with family friends. He will be missed by all. A Celebration of Genes Life will be 3 PM Wednesday October 26nd at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, with a gathering beginning at 2 PM until time of service. Interment will be at Scandinavian Cemetery, with military honors performed by The Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 Honor Guard.
Most sincere condolences to Shirley and the rest of the family, I was sad to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a great family friend, and I will always rember fondly the time our families spent together back in the day.He was always jovial, had a smile that would light up the entire room, and a great sense of humor. Hugs to you Shirley, I’m sorry we missed the memorial service.
On behalf of Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 we give thanks for Gene’s military service to our nation and his service to our Post. He will be missed.