Watch Gene's Funeral

Gene Baukol, age 82, of Twin Valley, MN, died Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN.

Gene Richard Baukol was born at home in Flom Township, Norman County on July 15, 1938, the son of Arnt and Gustine (Meyer) Baukol. He grew up attending Cheerful Nook Country School which was less than ¼ mile from the farm and graduated from Waubun High School with the class of 1955. From a young age, Gene began helping on the farm with the daily chores to eventually taking over the century farm. A kind neighbor introduced Gene to Lucille Unke in 1969 and they were united in marriage on December 5, 1970. The couple made their home on Gene's home place where they raised their own two sons, Michael and Paul. Over the years, farming wasn't just a job for Gene, it was a way of life. As a third-generation farmer, he put in countless hours working from sunup until sundown to make sure everything was taken care of. They harvested grains, corn and raised cattle. Gene and Lucille were the Norman County Farmer and Homemaker of the year in 2005. Even after retiring, his son, Mike, continues to hobby farm the operation and Gene always had to check on the family farm along with the neighboring farmers to see how the crops were coming along. Gene remained on the farm until his health began to decline and in May of 2019, he moved to the nursing home.

When Gene wasn't working, he enjoyed ice fishing, deer hunting and of course shaking dice for morning coffee with the guys at the Flom Café. He was a charter member of the Flom Area Lions Club and was a member of several boards including the Flom Township, The Flom-Ulen Co-op, and the Twin Valley-Flom Credit Union. Gene was a lifelong member of Aspelund Lutheran Church where he was very active in many capacities as well as serving on the church council for many years.

Gene is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lucille, of Twin Valley; sons, Michael also of Twin Valley and Paul (Ann) of Hendrum, MN, step-grandchildren, Hillary and Katy and step great-grandson, Korbin; brother, Archie (Muriel) Baukol of Fargo, ND; sister, Fern Smith of Detroit Lakes, MN; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Donovan Smith.

Private Family Services will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. Public Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2020, at Aspelund Lutheran Church. Burial will be held in Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, Flom. Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mark to attend. Video of the service will be updated on our website shortly following the service.

"Heart to Heart, Never Apart" is a service we implemented to help offer support to families facing private services at this time. This will give those not attending an opportunity to share a token of love and support.  Our hope is to fill the service location with large hearts so the family can feel the loving presence of others and know they are not alone.  Please Click Here to have a Heart Placed in your name, showing the family you are there with them in spirit.  This program is offered at no charge.