Eugene Durham

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. Eugene ("Gene") Stanley Durham, 82, of Brainerd, died Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living. Services will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Dave Holte will officiate at the service. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

Gene was born May 16, 1933, in Brainerd, the son of Henry "H" Stanley and Stella Ursala (Erickson) Durham. Following his high school graduation, Gene enlisted in the US Navy; he was stationed in Hawaii and served during the Korean War aboard the USS Carpenter. On November 12, 1955, he married Wilma Jane Willis and they soon began raising a family together. Gene's career in telecommunications moved the family from Brainerd to Baudette and then on to Thief River Falls. Ultimately landing in the Twin Cities metro area, Gene worked in various management positions until his retirement in 1990. Gene and Wilma then returned to their roots in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Early in his retirement, Gene was active as a volunteer at Bethany and Woodland Good Samaritan Homes. He was active in the Golden Kiwanis, serving as president and secretary. Gene also was the Associate Coordinator and Instructor for 55 Alive (part of AARP). Proud of his service to his country and his Korean Medal and China Service Medal, Gene was a member of the American Legion, Post 255. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Gene enjoyed spending time boating on the lakes and was an avid reader. For many years, he thoroughly enjoyed playing Santa and making children happy.

He will be missed by his wife, Wilma; children, Terry (Steve) Andrusko of Brooklyn Center, JoAnn Durham of Maple Grove and Jean (Mark) Scanlon of Bloomington; and four grandchildren, Emily (Patrick) Nahan, Andrew Andrusko, Erin Scanlon and Rachel Scanlon; two great grandsons, Damis and Cameron Nahan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Richard and John. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.
Memorials are preferred to Breath of Life Adult Day Service, or to the Alzheimer's Association.