Eugene Lawrence Staniszewski

Gene Staniszewski, age 72, of Russell, Minnesota, died on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Avera Tyler Hospital in Tyler, Minnesota. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a reception at the AmericInn Hotel, interment with military honors will be at the Russell Cemetery in Russell, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home. The evening will conclude with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, also at Hamilton Funeral Home.

Eugene Lawrence Staniszewski was born on December 15, 1952, in Tyler, Minnesota. He was the son of Eugene and Phyllis (Ross) Staniszewski. Gene was baptized as an infant, received first communion, and was confirmed in his youth at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe, Minnesota. He grew up near Arco and attended school in Ivanhoe, graduating with the class of 1971. Gene then served in the United States Army for 2 years, primarily deployed in Korea.

Following his honorable discharge, Gene returned to Minnesota and attended the Canby Vocational School to study parts management. He worked for the local John Deere Implement and later took a position with Pittsburgh Paint and Glass. Eventually Gene opened his own business, Gene’s Auto, where he dealt with antique cars and tractors as well.

Gene was a proud member of the Russell American Legion and the Ivanhoe VFW. He has vast collections including guns, ash trays, and match books. Gene enjoyed frequenting auctions where many came to know him as “Boss”. Gene had a big heart (though he didn’t always show it) and a fantastic memory for all his treasures. Many will remember the silent wave of his pointer finger when he wanted something out of reach.

Gene died on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Tyler, Minnesota. He reached the age of 72 years, 5 months, and 4 days. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Taveirne of Marshall; 6 nieces and nephews, Melanie Staniszewski, Rhea (Brent Schumacher) Staniszewski, Neil (Erin) Staniszewski, Scott Staniszewski (Rena Berg), Heather Kasper, Heidi (Kyle) Nickles; 10 great-grand-nieces and nephews; siblings, Bonnie (Randy) Demuth of Sioux Falls, SD, Tom (Kathy) Staniszewski of Brookings; long-time friend, Tom Hodges of Russell; other relatives and many friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Staniszewski; his beloved cat of 14 years, Smokey; aunts; uncles; and several good friends.