Gene Simpson

On Friday, March 1, 2019, Gene Richard Simpson, loving husband and father of four children, passed away from AML at the age of 88.

Gene was the youngest of three children born to Rose and Carl Simpson. He was born July 26, 1930 in Graceville, MN and grew up on a farm.  He attended rural school and graduated from Graceville High School in 1948. In 1949, Gene joined the US Navy and was stationed at Moffett Field in California until1953. He worked as an avionics mechanic for Signature Flight for 40 years at MSP airport. On October 25, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Horning. Together, they raised four children in Bloomington, MN.

Gene had a strong enduring love of family, friends, church, and athletics. Mechanically minded, Gene was always “tinkering around” and lending a helping hand if something needed fixing. He also loved a fair bit of competition. Whether that was on the football field in his younger days (4 years of undefeated 6 man football in high school), on the golf course in his later years (3 holes in one), or playing cards, Gene played to win. Faith and service were an integral part of his life. He regularly attended Bible Study, volunteered at soup kitchens and Habitat for Humanity, and helped with community projects.

Gene is survived by his loving friend and companion Natalie Johnson, daughter Deanna Simpson (Gerald Hill), sons Tony (Maureen) Simpson and Loren (Darcie) Simpson, daughter-in-law Robyn Birdwell, brother Ervin (Doris) Simpson, and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Dorothy (2009), son Joel (2013), and sister Eva (2019).

A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 7 and also for one hour prior to the service at the church in Friday.

A funeral service will take place at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria on Friday, March 8 at 11:00 AM.

Gene will be laid to rest at the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood, MN.

Memorial donations may be made to First Lutheran Church Building Fund, 822 Douglas St., Alexandria, MN 56308.