Gene Lester Arbogast

Gene Lester Arbogast (1945-2025) passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, surrounded by his family in Coon Rapids, MN Gene was born June 6, 1945 in Litchfield, MN to Lester and Dorothy Arbogast. He was a 1963 graduate of Eden Valley High in Eden Valley Minnesota. He was drafted into the Army in October of 1965. Did basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. While at basic training, he became hospitalized with pneumonia and was unable to ship out with his original unit. He was assigned to an Induction Center in Manhatten, NY. While in Manhatten, Gene met Mary Ames of Obi, NY at a party hosted by a friend of a friend. After the party, they continued to talk, which led to breakfast and then many phone calls. They were married six months later on November 5, 1966. They moved to Brooklyn, NY and lived there until he was discharged from the Army in October of 1967. They moved back to Minnesota, first to Osseo, MN and then buying a house in Maple Grove, MN, During the 42 years in Maple Grove, they raised 2 children - a son (Jeff) and a daughter (Kalee). In 2013 they moved to Coon Rapids. Gene and Mary also spent 13 winters in Harlingen, TX. Gene spent 29 years working at Coyne's Giftware. Gene enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to play cards and games and teaching others how things worked. He enjoyed spending time in nature. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed photographing birds All his life, he spent many hours in his garage with his tools, fixing cars, building things and creating stained glass art. Gene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary, his children Jeff (Renee) Arbogast and Kalee (Kyle) Johannes and his grandchildren Kaitlynn (Pekka) Mantere, Sidney Arbogast, Wyatt Arbogast, Natashia Johannes and Alyssa Johannes. He is also suvivived by 2 sisters Joyce Vogelpohl and Carol (David) Hilsgen and nieces and nephews: Lisa Kysier, David (Lisa) Ames, Ricky (Theresa), Keith (Tammy) Hilsgen, Tanya Hilsgen and Janel (Travis) Wettig. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Dorothy Arbogast, his brother in law Jim Vogelpohl, and nephew Adam Hilsgen and several aunts and uncles. A celebration of Gene's life will be held on October 25, 2025, at Glen Haven Chapel 5125 W Broadway Avenue Crystal, MN 55429. Visitation begins at 10 AM Service will begin at 11 AM. The service will be streamed. Please use this link to stream the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1OTAxNzYxMTM4MjI0NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parks Foundation