Eugene A. Bouw

Eugene Allen Bouw, was born April 11, 1956 to Edward and Gertie (Brouwer) Bouw in Luverne, Minnesota.  He grew up in Leota and Chandler, attending the Christian Reformed Church in Leota and public school in Chandler.  Growing up, he enjoyed playing softball, with the church and also on a slow pitch softball team for Leota.  He graduated from Edgerton High School in 1974 and continued his education at Pipestone Vocational Technical School, graduating with a degree in meat cutting in 1976.  On October 21, 1978, Gene was united in marriage to Julie Ann Thompson in Lake Wilson, Minnesota.  Following marriage, the couple moved to Trosky, where Gene would remain for the rest of his life.  He worked at Bayliner and as a meat cutter for V&M Locker.  After Bayliner closed, Gene worked for Pipestone Systems and then Fey Industries.  He retired from Fey Industries September 29, 2022 but continued helping part time in the mornings.  He also enjoyed farming with his son-in-law for the past 16 years.  On May 17, 2023, Gene went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while in his home due to natural causes at the age of 67 years, 1 month, and 6 days.

Gene was an active member of the Christ the King Free Lutheran Church in Pipestone.  He was a trustee on the church council and involved in many areas throughout the church.  He also mowed for many people in Trosky and had a regular coffee group.  His favorite thing to do was spend time with his family, especially his grandkids and Rhonda.  He always put others first and provided an excellent example of humble, selfless life style that Christ demonstrated.   He enjoyed boating and spending time at the lake and was always ready with the current weather report.  He was also fond of helping out on the farm, riding four-wheeler, traveling, and playing cards.  His family lovingly remembers several unique sayings including, “What in the Sam Scratch is going on?”  He would often forget his glasses and then say, “At least my butt’s tied on!” and always greeted people with a: “How are you doing young man/young woman?”  He was not text savvy, promising to learn when he retired but he never did. 

More than anything else, Gene is remembered by his family as being loving, kind, humble, gentle, and selfless.  Those family left to cherish his memory include his children Dustin (Leah) Bouw of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Danielle (Nathan) Fick of Beaver Creek, Minnesota; grandchildren Holly, Braeden, Jaelyn, and Isaiah Fick; special friend Rhonda Grimmius of Edgerton, Minnesota; and siblings Henrietta (Elmer) Dekam of Edgerton, Minnesota, John (Marlys) Bouw of Leota, Minnesota, Irene (Ray) Moore of Anchorage, Alaska, and Timothy Bouw of Slayton, Minnesota.  Gene was preceded in death by his wife Julie Bouw, parents Edward and Gertrude Bouw, sister Evelyn Chase, and sister-in-law Sheila Bouw.