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Published November 16, 2012, 12:00 AM

Eugene L. “Gene” Vatnsdal

Eugene L. “Gene” Vatnsdal, 75, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks.

Eugene L. “Gene” Vatnsdal

Eugene L. “Gene” Vatnsdal, 75, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks.

Eugene Leslie Vatnsdal was born to Theodore and Josephine (Myres) Vatnsdal on September 3, 1937 in Walhalla, North Dakota. He attended a one room school house near Mountain, North Dakota. Gene graduated from Cavalier High School in 1955 and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1959. Eugene Vatnsdal and Judith Larson were united in marriage on January 4, 1958 in Grand Forks. They lived in Grand Forks where Gene was in the insurance and real estate business.

Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was an exceedingly honest, friendly and witty man committed to his family and friends. He attracted and kept friends with his good humor, silly jokes, contagious smile and generosity. He was proud of his heritage – an Icelander through and through. Gene and Judy were able to enjoy many winters in Arizona with family and friends. His greatest joy was his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He will be deeply missed by his family and by the friends whose lives he touched.

Gene is survived by his wife, Judy, Grand Forks; children, Lori (Orman) Anafarta, Forest Lake, MN, Linda (Mark) Keehr, Grand Forks, and Jamie (Julie) Vatnsdal, Grand Forks; daughter-in-law, Cory (David) Vatnsdal-Geck, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Tev, Alex, and Trevor Anafarta; Amanda, Ryan, and Tyler Keehr; Travis and Cassidy Vatnsdal; Payton and Grant Vatnsdal; a brother, Will (Myrna) Vatnsdal, Tuscon, AZ; many nieces and nephews.

Waiting to welcome him into heaven are a son, Leslie; a brother, Theo; and his parents.

Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012 in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 715 24th Ave. South, Grand Forks.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service Friday, November 16, 2012 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and for one hour prior to the service in the church.

Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery.

Memorials: may be given to the organization of the donor’s choice.

On-line guest registration is available at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com

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William A.
11/18/2012 1:24 AM

Bill and I so treasured times with Gene and Judy in AZ. and with St. Mark's in G. Fks. He embodied what it means to be an "alive" Christian of faith and cheerful personality. He will be sorely missed by family and friends here on earth and so welcomed by those who have gone before, including my Bill. I particularly enfold you in my thoughts and prayers, Judy and family in this time of "missing" dear Gene. Carol Anderson

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William A.
11/18/2012 1:24 AM

Bill and I so treasured times with Gene and Judy in AZ. and with St. Mark's in G. Fks. He embodied what it means to be an "alive" Christian of faith and cheerful personality. He will be sorely missed by family and friends here on earth and so welcomed by those who have gone before, including my Bill. I particularly enfold you in my thoughts and prayers, Judy and family in this time of "missing" dear Gene. Carol Anderson

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William A.
11/18/2012 1:21 AM

Bill and I so treasured times with Gene and Judy in AZ. and with St. Mark's in G. Fks. He embodied what it means to be an "alive" Christian of faith and cheerful personality. He will be sorely missed by family and friends here on earth and so welcomed by those who have gone before, including my Bill. I particularly enfold you in my thoughts and prayers, Judy and family in this time of "missing" dear Gene. Carol Anderson

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