Gene Sjaastad, 88, Minot, passed away on October 20, 2019, at Edgewood Memory Care in Minot after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Eugene Howard "Gene" Sjaastad was born, the middle child, to Elmer and Mildred (Christian) Sjaastad on August 12, 1931 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  The family moved to Minot shortly after he was born.

Gene (Dad) was a lifelong resident of Minot and graduated from Model High School in 1950. A gifted athlete, he participated in track, football and basketball at Model. Dad was especially proud to be a member of the Model Basketball Team which won the State Championship in 1948, playing with his brother Gerald and future brother-in-law Bill, then winning again in 1950. Dad made many lifelong friends at Model, but most importantly, he met the love of his life, our mother, Patricia Stevick. They were married in 1951, and together they raised their six children.

A man of many interests and talents, dad loved doing carpentry and rock work. He learned his skills at a young age, from his father, helping him build two houses on Normal Street where they lived. As a young husband and father, he built our family home on Northwest Avenue in Minot and later helped build two cabins at Lake Metigoshe. Many of our family's best memories were made at the lake. Dad and mom spent many hours together over the years, scouring fields for the perfect rocks for dad to create his beautiful rock walls, flower beds, fireplaces and ornate features, many of which still stand today. Then in 1994, dad helped design and build another house on North Hill to accommodate mom's physical limitations and give her the house of her dreams with an open concept and grand kitchen. They enjoyed one year living together in their new home before Patricia (mom) passed away on November 12, 1995.

We all have vivid memories of dad at his cement mixer, or with tools in hand! Dad also enjoyed golfing and curling and was a member of the Minot Curling Club for 25 years. He liked a good game of chess; a cold beer; watching the Vikings play football; listening to classical music; and discussing the current events. Dad was also a passionate reader, finding time daily to read one of his countless books. Some of his favorite subjects were about war, history, nature, science, astronomy and philosophy. He was also fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and spent many hours studying the stars, planets and space through his books and telescopes.

Dad worked for Bell Telephone as a lineman before starting his career at Northern States Power Company (NSP) as an Outside Plant Supervisor. He retired from his job with NSP in 1989 to spend more time with his wife. Together in retirement, dad and mom enjoyed taking road trips to visit children, grandchildren and friends.

Gene is survived by his sister, Janet (Bob) Pettys, Minot; three sons: Kenneth Sjaastad, Montana, Gregory Sjaastad, Utah and Gary Sjaastad, Minot; three daughters:  Pamela (Frank) Shipley, Minot, Sally Sjaastad, Montana, and Julie Renfrew, Texas; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother: Gerald, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to thank the caring staff at Edgewood for keeping dad comfortable during the five months he lived there. A special acknowledgment to his children, especially Julie, Ken and Greg, who sacrificed many long weeks at a time to travel to Minot and take care of dad in his home for as long as possible. Also, to Pam and Frank, who frequently visited dad and brought him his favorite home-baked cookies to let him know how much he was loved, and to his sister, Janet and uncle Bob, who regularly visited him to let him know he was not alone.

We love and miss you always, Dad! We are comforted knowing that your suffering is finally over and you are forever united with your loving wife. Rest in Peace.

Public Visitation:  Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
At Gene's request, there will not be a formal service.
He will be buried next to his wife, Patricia, at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association to help find a cure for this insidious disease.

Eugene Sjaastad Flowers