Gene Boysen, 89, passed away October 30, 2025. Gene was born, raised, and attended high school in Platte, SD. The oldest of 5 children, Gene developed his work ethic on the family farm. In school, he showed a talent for sports, especially basketball and baseball, for which he developed a reputation as a formidable pitcher. After high school, Gene served his country two years in the Army and earned his master’s degree in special education. In 1966, Gene married Frances Peters in White Lake, SD. Together they started a family and Gene pursued teaching. In 1970, Gene accepted a position he would hold for 29 years working for the State of Minnesota as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the visually handicapped in Duluth, MN. He moved his family to Saginaw, where he passed on his love for the outdoors and sports to his children. Gene and Fran spent countless hours in the stands watching their four children’s athletic activities for over two decades. They were 1985 recipients of “Al Shoberg Fan of the Year” award from the Proctor School District. Gene retired in 1999 and his new passions became golf and volunteering. In 2000, Gene was the first volunteer to work at the Second Harvest Food Shelf in Duluth. His involvement and leadership lead to the installation of the “Honorary Gene Boysen Volunteer of the Year Award” in 2005. Upon Fran’s retirement in 2012, the couple traveled the U.S. in their camper, and as traveling became difficult, they stuck close to home enjoying daily drives through local countryside. After the loss of his wife in 2023, Gene continued to live independently until 2025. A lifetime of good health and independence was hard for Gene to give up, but in his last months he found enjoyment in reminiscing and playing cribbage with his family and caregivers. A dedicated storyteller, Gene was well-known for his tales about life in the Dakotas, road trips, and the horse that broke his leg as a child. Gene is survived by his daughters, Kim (Jeff) Gondek, Superior, WI, Amy Boysen (Kevin Wehner) Hot Springs, SD. Sons, Jay (Teresa) Boysen, Proctor, MN and Guy Boysen (Marissa Cope) O’Fallon, IL Grandchildren Justin, Jeremy, Kyle, Ella, Blaine, Evan and Emma. Surviving Sister, Sally and brother Terry, (Platte, SD) and brother, Tom (Fremont, NE). Gene requested no services, only to be laid to rest at the Black Hills National Cemetery. His children request any donations/memorials be made in Gene’s name to Second Harvest Food Shelf.