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Eugene "Gene" Mandernach, 80, of Spirit Lake, formerly of Lakeside, went to be with Jesus in heaven, on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 at his home. He is now cancer and pain free resting in the arms of our Lord in his beautiful paradise.
Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 21, from 4-8 p.m. and will commence Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
On June 18, 1943, Raymond and Irene (Mahler) Mandernach were blessed with a son, Eugene Richard Mandernach, in Cherokee. Gene grew up north of Storm Lake and graduated from Albert City High School in 1961. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake where he was an usher, elder and played on the dart ball team. Most recently, Gene was an active member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake where he served as an elder.
Gene joined the National Guard in 1963 and went to South Carolina for basic training. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
Gene married the love of his life, Gladys Kies on Dec. 31, 1964 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell. They were blessed with six children: Brenda, Michael, Douglas, Ricky, Julie and Angela.
Gene began farming with his father and brother raising crops, cattle and hogs. He broke many horses. His special horse was Tulsa. In 1972, Gene and Gladys moved to Newell where he raised cattle until 1978, when they moved to Lakeside, where he was mayor for 17 years. He worked for Buena Vista County Road Department as a sign foreman for 24 years. In his free time, Gene enjoyed visiting over coffee and attending auctions. He loved the outdoors and could be found hunting, fishing and gardening. Gene was a true grill master and was skilled in woodworking and winemaking. They also enjoyed a couples card club for over 55 years. He was president of the Storm Lake Lions Club for many years. Gene and Gladys escaped the Iowa winters for more than 10 years to enjoy the Arizona sunshine. Gene’s greatest joy was time spent with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Gene is survived by his wife of 58 year, Gladys Mandernach of Spirit Lake; children: Brenda (Lance) McFadden of Ankeny; Doug (Linda) Mandernach of Adel; Ricky (Carole) Mandernach of Fort Dodge; Angela (Joseph) Russell of Helena, Mont.; grandchildren: Allison, Megan and Lauren McFadden; Jordan (Steph) Mandernach; Jaycee Mandernach; Hunter Mandernach; Preston Mandernach; Becca Mandernach; Jacob, Evan and Abram Russell; step grandchildren: Doug (Allison) White and Tami (Greg) Marsh; great-grandchildren: Paisley and Oaklyn Mandernach; step grandchildren: Brock, McKinley and Brennan White; Charles, Henry and Walter Marsh; brother Darrel (Linda) Mandernach; sisters-in-law: Eileen Mandernach, Millie Mandernach, Violet Thraen and Sandy Kies; brothers-in-law: Francis (Carolyn) Kies, Alan (Allison) Kies, Ken (Carol) Kies and Russ (Donna) Kies; special friends, Bob and Karen, for bringing food and spending time with Gene; extended family and friends.
Welcoming Gene into heaven include his parents Raymond and Irene Mandernach; son Michael Mandernach; infant daughter Julie Mandernach; daughter-in-law Lisa Mandernach; brothers: Bruce Mandernach and John Mandernach; sister Jeannine Johnson; parents-in-law Harold and Arlene Kies; brothers-in-law, Harlan Kies and Jack Thraen; and sister-in-law Dana Kies.
