Watch Gene's Funeral Mass

Gene Bisek, age 70, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at the Mahnomen Heath Center Nursing Home.

Eugene "Gene" Francis Bisek, born January 26, 1951, in Mahnomen, MN was the sixth of fourteen children born to Paul and Mary Patricia "Pat" (Hart) Bisek.  Growing up, Gene attended St. Michael's Catholic School through the 8 ^th grade and graduated from Mahnomen High School as the Salutatorian for the Class of 1969.  Gene enjoyed playing the trombone in band and excelled as an athlete, in track, wrestling, and football.

After high school graduation, Gene majored in mathematics and joined the Army ROTC at St. John's University in Collegeville, MN.  While working in Mahnomen, one summer during college Gene met his future wife Sharon Kemper.  The new couple made many Saturday Night trips to the Rancho Club to meet friends and dance the night away. Gene and Sharon were united in holy matrimony on June 19, 1971 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun, MN.

Following Gene's graduation from St. John's, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  During the early part of their marriage, they were stationed at Fort Riley Military Base in Kansas; there they welcomed their daughter, Lisa.  In 1976, the couple decided to return to Mahnomen and take over the Bisek Dairy Farm.

Gene loved being on the farm.  He truly enjoyed waking early in the morning and working late into the evening although, he would often take short midday naps on the living room hardwood floor "to help his back".  Gene loved to tend his crops and animals.  He was innovative and thrifty and enjoyed creating, building and fixing things.  He was a great teacher taking the time to explain biology, physics and mathematics through the many activities on the farm. Gene also enjoyed making things he felt kids would enjoy; things like cow shaped train cars to pull behind the tractor, a large straw bale maze, and a go-cart.    Gene was proud of his farm, his faith, and his community.  He was named King Agassiz for Mahnomen County in 1982.  He served on the Farmers Union Co-op Board, the board of directors for the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, and the County Dairy Association.  He was also instrumental in helping to establish Breakfast on the Farm in Mahnomen County, which his family proudly hosted for 10+ years.

Gene believed strongly in his Catholic Faith and the presence of God in his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was very adamant about attending church service and was a devoted and generous supporter of the St. Michael's school and parish.

In 2009, Gene suffered a serious farming accident that forced him to retire.  After his accident, he enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee and doughnuts, reading, taking country drives and spending time with his grandchildren.  He was fortunate to continue living on the farm until his hospitalization a few weeks before his passing.

Gene is survived by two daughters, Lisa and partner, Daniel of Henderson, NV, and Jill (Jeff Beavins) of Mahnomen; one son, Kelly (Sherry) of Hawley, MN; six grandchildren: Zachary, Jack, Bridget, Brandon, Bennett, and Katherine; one great-granddaughter: Kinlee; six brothers: Paul (Johanna), James (Ginny), John (Mickey), Andy (Anita), Ray (Bonnie Spaeth), Jeff (Nancy); five sisters: Kathy (Bob) Holl, Ann (Bennie Zaviska) Lindblom, Debra (Tim) Gerber, Marion (Roger) Anderson and Theresa Bisek; brothers and sisters-in-law from the Kemper family; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; parents, Paul and Pat Bisek; and two brothers, Patrick and Joe Bisek.

In the honor of Gene's memory, the family is requesting donations be made to the Bisek Memorial Scholarship at St. Michael's Catholic School, in lieu of gifts or flowers.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and KC Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the church.  Inurnment and Military Honors will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Waubun, MN, at a later date.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.