Eugene Huppert, age 88 of rural River Falls died peacefully Friday March 4th at his son’s residence following an illness with cancer.  Gene was born on May 19, 1927 on the family farmstead in Oak Grove Township; the son of William and Veronica (Engel) Huppert.  It gave him great meaning to live his entire life on their farm. He attended St. Mary’s Big River Parochial School before taking on the responsibility of the family farm following the sudden death of his father.

For Gene, family and faith were first and foremost. He loved all aspects of farming and his work ethics showed it. On September 25, 1951, he was united in marriage to Irene Victoria Peterson at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cherma. This union would be blessed with four children. Sadly, Irene would precede him in death in 1986. Gene had a great appreciation for the outdoors. Outside of farming, he took great pleasure in hunting. If you have ever visited his house, his trophy mounts line the walls. His fishing trips to Alaska and elk hunts out west with friends were very special to him. Another recreation he enjoyed was taking flight with his ultra light across the countryside or down the St. Croix River. Gene would later marry Virginia Huppert. They enjoyed some memorable travels throughout the country visiting family and friends. Virginia would precede him in death also. Gene was also a gifted woodworker who was very content putzing in his shop creating some beautiful furniture; mostly for family and friends. Most recently, Gene enjoyed time spent with his special friend Marlene Nelson.

Gene will remain in the hearts of his children John (Rebecca) Huppert, Mary Jean (Tim) Fredrickson, Connie (Doug) Fell; daughter-in-law Debbie Huppert; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; special friend Marlene Nelson; and a host of other relatives, family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wives Irene and Virginia; son Joseph, and his sister Elvera Deiss.

Mass of Christian burial for Gene Huppert will be 11AM Wednesday March 9th at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church, rural River Falls with Fr. Kevin Lewis officiating and Fr. Jerry Harris Con-celebrating. Music will be offered by Connie Cobian and Nancy Fredericks. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm with a prayer service at 7pm at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church as well as one hour prior to the mass Wednesday morning. Burial will be in the church cemetery with casketbearers being Tom Deiss, Tim Engel, John Huppert Jr, Joe Huppert Jr., Randy Maier, Jens Fredrickson.  Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes.