Gene Janisch, age 79, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at his home.

Eugene William Janisch was born September 20, 1940, in Mahnomen, MN, the son of William and Bessie (Jordahl) Janisch.  He grew up in the Mahnomen area and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1958.  Gene entered the workforce at a young age by helping on the family farm.  On October 14, 1972, Gene was united in marriage to Kathy Bruggeman.  The couple made their home in Mahnomen until 1978 when they moved south of town to the home they currently own.  Over the years, Gene continued to farm, worked for Jack Starkey at Jack's Polaris fixing snowmobiles and he also owned and operated Janisch Quarterhorse and Trailer Sales until his retirement.

After retiring, Gene's typical day consisted of morning coffee at the Red Apple Café, then lunch with his REA buddies followed up with afternoon coffee at John Deere.  Gene loved being around people, making them laugh and was known for his story telling ability and his jokes.  He had a love for horses and would often talk about them to whomever would listen.  Gene took pride not only in his horses but also the vehicles and equipment he drove.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards, shaking dice, bowling, watching Western movies and even spent a few years Square Dancing.  Overall, Gene's top priority was spending time with his family, especially his grandsons.  They spent countless hours together and most recently playing dice. He will be greatly missed by many.

Gene was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church where he served as a eucharistic minister for many years.  He also held memberships with the Knights of Columbus and the AQHA (American Quarterhorse Association).

Gene is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Mahnomen; two daughters, Nicole Janisch of West Fargo, ND, and Carla (Craig) Otten of Detroit Lakes, MN; two grandsons, Cade Gene and Chance William Otten; one brother, Don (Connie) Janisch of Coon Rapids, MN; two sisters, Sheila (Bill) Kramer of Indianapolis, IN, and Mary Jo (Ken) Conrad of Stillwater, MN; sisters and brothers-in-law: Joanne (Larry) Revier of Dilworth, MN, Connie Bruggeman of Mahnomen, Colette (Mike) Kemper also of Mahnomen and Colleen (John) Holweger of Moorhead, MN; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bessie; infant brother, William Bruce; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Bernice Bruggeman; brother-in-law, Bill Bruggeman, Jr. and many extended family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 30, 2020, at 2:00 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29 ^th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will be in the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen.