Gene Lohman

Gene Lohman of St. Paul passed away on December 3, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Alice (Grass). He is survived by wife Jean (Marusic), brother and sister-in-law Joe and Linda Marusic, children Steve, Sue (Eric Darnall), and Michelle (Neil Fleischhacker); grandchildren Gabriel, Madeleine, and Hunter, and nephew Tony. Gene was born April 8, 1934, in Austin, Minnesota. He attended Austin High School and was active in track and field. He graduated in 1952. Following high school, he worked various jobs, including at Hormel for a time, where his father Joe had also worked. He served in the U.S. Army, 7th Infantry Division, in Korea from 1956-1958. He received his Bachelor of Science degree (1956), Master's Degree (1964), and teaching certificate from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Gene coached cross-country running, track and field, and taught English and American History for over 30 years in the Faribault, Roseville, and Minneapolis School Districts. He met wife Jean, a fellow teacher, while in Faribault and they were married in 1962. Gene always put family first, and was a devoted and actively-involved father and grandfather. He encouraged exercise, sport, and healthy eating, and tirelessly drove his kids to sports practice and always attended their athletic events. He enjoyed spending time together as a family at the Shoreview YMCA, especially the outdoor pool in the summer. Other beloved family activities included cross-country skiing and sledding at Como Park and the University of Minnesota Golf Course. From his Army days, he developed a great love of Jeeps, and was lucky enough to own several models over the years, and especially loved plowing them through the snow. Gene was also known for his great love of reading, especially current events, poetry, philosophy, linguistics, and mysteries. He loved classical and jazz music, and instilled a love of reading and music in his kids. Following retirement, Gene enjoyed traveling, spending time with his grandchildren, reading, and participating in U.S. Master's Track and Field. He was an avid runner his entire life. Gene battled cancer several times in the last few years, and proudly wore a "screw cancer" t-shirt. We are grateful to the staff at United Hospital, Episcopal Homes, and Allina Hospice for all their wonderful care and support. A memorial service for Gene will be held Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Coventry Chapel, Episcopal Homes, 1842 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Public Radio and Second Harvest Heartland. Gene was known and will be remembered especially for his sense of humor and quick wit. "And now for something completely different..."