Eugene Leo Krell

1930 - 2025

Owatonna - Eugene Leo Krell, age 94, of Owatonna, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, just a few days before his 95th birthday. Born on June 12, 1930, Eugene was one of the four children to the late Leo and Lydia (Kruger) Krell. Growing up in the Blooming Prairie area, he graduated from Blooming Prairie High School and enlisted into the United State Army in 1948. During his time of service, Eugene was stationed in Germany where he would meet and marry his first wife, Renate Juras in March of 1952. Together, they would have four children. After his honorable discharge, Eugene and Renate moved back to Minnesota where they would raise their family until Renate's passing in 1973. On October 19, 1974, Eugene married Norma Lynse in Blooming Prairie, and they would be married until her passing in April of 2025.

Eugene was a colorful and lively man, always finding new things to enjoy. He was an avid gardener, loved fishing and camping in Northern Minnesota at either Horseshoe Lake or Longville Lake, traveling to Canada with his son David, operating small planes as a pilot, and watching western shows from the 1950s. Eugene's greatest passion was being a historian. He meticulously researched the Oregon Trail and the Lewis and Clark Trail. Eugene would even visit St. Mary's School in Owatonna to teach the young children about the history and culture of Lewis and Clark, having many historical items and journals. If you knew Eugene, you also knew that he was a great conversationalist, storyteller, and loved a good Ole and Lena joke.

Eugene is survived by his children: Vincent (Debbie) Krell of Las Vega, NV, Denise (Dan) Frissora of Jacksonville, FL, Diane (Jim) Butler of Geneva, MN, and David (Jeannie) Krell of Columbus, IN; 17 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Kermes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Renate; his wife, Norma Jean; brothers, Lloyd (Marilyn) and Gerald (Marilyn); and brother-in-law, Charlie Kermes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Eugene will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery with full military honors and a luncheon to follow back at the church.