Gene Russell Eblen

Gene Eblen, 78, of Barrett, MN, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, in Osakis, MN, with his wife by his side. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 25, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN. A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, July 24, at Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman with a prayer service beginning at 6:30. The visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at Lands Cemetery.

Gene Eblen was born on October 17, 1946, to parents Leo and Mary Eblen in Hoffman, MN. He was baptized in Hoffman and later graduated from Hoffman High School in 1964. After High School he moved to Illinois before moving back to MN in the Twin Cities. It was there he met Eunice Jensen. On June 17, 1967, Gene and Eunice were united in marriage, to this union two children were born. Together they made their home in rural Hoffman and moved to their forever home on Elk Lake in 1983.

Gene worked 11 years as assistant manager at Hoffman Co-op Grain,7 years as owner and manager of Belgrade Feed and Grain, and 16 years as a grain sampler for the State of MN. Gene was very involved in serving his community in so many ways. He was a Hoffman Lions member for over 25 years served on the Messiah Lutheran Church Council and committee, and was the treasurer for the Grant County Snowmobile Club the “Low Plains Drifters” for over 10 years.

In his free time Gene enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and motorcycling. He also liked watching westerns and participating in parades with his tractor. Most importantly, Gene loved his family.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; and 7 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Eunice; children Russ Eblen and Lisa (Brian) Rademacher; grandchildren, Tayler (Jake) Smith, Natalie Rademacher, and Sam Rademacher; sister, Gracie Lewis; and numerous family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Lands Cemetery.