Gene Sheldon Lewallen

Gene Sheldon Lewallen was born Jan. 4, 1926, in Huron, S.D. He grew up in the Black Hills with older brothers, Donald and Harold, and younger brother, Bob. His mother, Ruth, moved the family into Rapid City and continued her work as a public health nurse after the birth of twin daughters, Ada and Ann. Gene was their older brother and father figure.

Upon graduation from high school in 1944, he joined the Army and served in WWII. He completed studies at Huron College and the University of South Dakota. He graduated from Medical School in Omaha, Neb., in 1953.

Gene served the communities of Lennox, S.D., and Mora, Minn., in general practice as he and his first wife, Vernita, raised their four children. He was accepted into an orthopedic residency at the Mayo Clinic 1963-1967. His orthopedic practice in Lincoln, Neb., spanned 25 years at The Lincoln Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Center where he was respected for his orthopedic care and surgery.

He was the real deal in every arena: friend, professional, and human being.

Gene and Bobbi were blessed with two children. They devoted themselves to all their children. The family farm was a place of work, play, and time to connect. They moved to Rochester after Gene's retirement where he loved the change of seasons and the opportunity to visit with his siblings and extended family in Minnesota and Montana. He introduced his family to snow skiing and loved to sail. He was an avid fisherman and endeavored to tie his own dry flies.

Gene was a member of The American Legion, The Mark Coventry Orthopedic Society, and Redeemer Lutheran Church.

He passed into heavenly rest on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017.

Gene was admired, respected, and loved by his family and feared by fish. His spouse, six children, 15 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, Bob and Ann, and family and friends knew him to be a model of kindness and work ethic. He was principled, just and had a twinkle in his eye. He is celebrated with great faith which gives inner peace in knowing The Lord Is Risen Indeed!

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester, with the Rev. Adam Koglin officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1,at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.