Gene L. Kjos
May 11, 1929 ~ March 2, 2020
Gene L. Kjos, 90, peacefully passed away on March 2, 2020 surrounded by family at Luther Memorial Home, in Mayville, ND. Gene was born on May 11, 1929, in Mayville, ND. He was the oldest of four children to Henry and Sophie (Thales) Kjos. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he served in the Korean War. In 1954, he married his love, Marlys Rasmusson of Ada, MN. During their 54 years of marriage, they raised five daughters in Hillsboro, ND.
He retired after 40+ years from the telephone company, Century Link. Gene and Marlys enjoyed 17 years of wintering in Leesburg, FL. In the summer, they spent their time at a lake cabin near Pinehurst Resort in Naytahawash, MN.
Gene was a dedicated, responsible individual who enjoyed sports like tennis, swimming, bowling, and fishing. He enjoyed watching the MN Twins, Red Hawks, March Madness,Vikings and the NDSU Bison. He participated in service organizations, and was a commander for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars becoming a life member for 60 years. He was on the Community Hospital/Nursing Home board and a volunteer Fireman. He loved watching parades, fireworks, gardening, Christmas lights, Fargo AirSho, his sweets, and polka music. He was a man that liked to go places and do things: bus and train trips, polka festivals, the Netherlands, Texas, and Washington, DC on the Honor Flight.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, step mother Ruth (Evenson) Kjos, his wife Marlys, sister Ann and brother-in-law Warren Dehnart, brother Herbert Kjos, son-in-law Ron Lusk, and one great grandchild Alexander Diaz.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley (Rick) Twaddle of Winona, MN and sister-in-law Mary Kjos of Destin, FL, his five daughters: Roni (James) Riske of Forest River, ND; Sherry (and the late Ron) Lusk of Harwood, ND; Rebecca (Keith) Williams of Mayville, ND; Shawn (Gary) Reedyk of Groveland, FL, Marla (Hector) Diaz of New Braunfels, TX, 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, Gene’s greatest joy was his wife, his five girls, and visits from his grandchildren.
Great childhood memories of Gene. Our neighborhood is all celebrating as he enters eternal life. God bless you all. Love each of you. Kristi Koppang Teece. Carrollton Missouri
I am glad that I got to meet Gene at the Super Bowl Party at the home.
My thoughts and prayer with the family in this time of sorrow.
God is my refuge and strength… Psalm 46:1
He was very loved by his 5 daughters who devoted their love and care to him
I took care of Gene since he got to Luther Memorial home. And he was loveable guy everyday he made us smile. Going to miss him. He always would say to us in the morning make sure my daughter’s are ok.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all.
So sorry for your loss gene will be miss
I’m so very sorry for your loss! May your many memories of your Dad comfort you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers🙏🙏
Gene always reminded me of Grandpa Kjos. He had a kind, gentle soul. RIP
Gene and I spoke often when he was able and we both enjoyed every minute. The calls were of long duration as we needed to discuss the world. He was always well versed on current problems and successes. I will miss him. He loved his “girls” and was so proud of each and every one. I join him in that.
Rest peacefully, Gene. You lived the good life.
I also had the blessing of caring for Gene while he was at the nursing home. We had some very good conversations, some of them left us both in tears, some left us laughing but most of them were just him telling me about his girls. Gene really loved his girls and it was obvious that they loved him too and seeing them visit him nearly every day always made me happy. I am going to miss seeing his smile when I walk into his room and going to miss him referring to me as “The other Becky” Will see you one the other side one day dear friend, till then rest in the arms of the Lord.
I’ve sat with Gene at the dining room table since he got to Luther. Gene will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll miss you forever Gene Kjos. Rest In Peace. God Bless
Gene will forever hold a special place in my heart. While working LMH he became one of my very good friends. He always loved to see me and my little sister working together and would tell us how we reminded him of his girls. He always knew how to make my day better with a hug and a smile. His daughters were always so fun to catch up with when I would visit while being home from college.
Rest easy my friend, I can’t wait too see you again❤️
He was a special man and we enjoyed many a Thanksgiving Dinners with him and the family around the Robertson table. I so fondly remember the last one before his wife, Marlys, died. Her memory was fading and she told me that that lady (his daughter) was acting too sweet to him. She was jealous! So sweet! I guess she got her “beau” back now! May peace come to his whole family. Rest in peace, Gene!
Love, Barbara and Gary Robertson
Sympathies to you Kjos family. What a great collection of pictures! He and your mom are dancing in heaven.
Gene was my mother’s tablemate at LMH meals and was always so nice to visit with. He looked out for her and was very kind . My condolences.
Sherry Carlson Daughter of Dorothy Heskin