Eugene Hemner

Eugene F. Hemner

January 12, 1947 - August 9,2024

On August 9, 2024, Eugene F. Hemner (Gene) passed away at his residence at The Lakes in Stillwater, MN after a short battle with cancer.

Gene was born January 12, 1947, to Loren E. and Elaine Hemner in Eau Claire WI. They preceded him in death. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High school in 1966. Gene served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Black Horse Troopers from 01-11-1968 to 12-07-1969, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

On January 16, 1971, he married the love of his life, Victoria (Vicki) Anderson. She preceded him in death on November 17, 2017 after 46 years of marriage. During their years together they lived in Eau Claire WI, Everett WA, and Oak Harbor WA. After Vicki's passing, he relocated to Stillwater MN to be near family.

Upon his return from Viet Nam, Gene began working at Uniroyal in Eau Claire WI until 1991 when the factory announced its upcoming closure. At this point, Gene relocated to Tulsa OK to attend the Spartan School of Aeronautics from 1991-1993. Vicki then joined him in Everett WA where he worked from 1994-1996 at BF Goodrich Aerospace. In 1996, he began working for Boeing in Everett as a repair/sealer on 777 aircraft. He retired in 2014 and relocating to Oak Harbor WA on Whidbey Island.

Gene and Vicki were godparents to many family and friends' children including Leigha Anderson and Karah Anderson, Lisa Akey and Tony Akey, and Emily Winkler.

Gene was high school friends with Frank and Cheryl Akey for over 60 years. A 30 plus year friendship with Carroll and John Winkler began at the Tulsa Aeronautics school. Their daughter Emily held a special place in his heart.

It was said Gene would give the shirt off his back to someone in need! Their annual Christmas gift boxes were evidence of their thoughtfulness and generosity, filled with salmon and handmade chocolate from a local candy shop in Washington state.

Gene is survived by his brother Rodney (Dawn) Hemner, Bloomington, IL, brother-in-law Fred Anderson and Renae Oswald-Anderson, Stillwater MN, and nieces Leigha and Karah, and friends Frank and Cheryl Akey, and John and Carroll Winkler.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Lakes where he lived for over two years; along with Bluestone Physician Services, and St. Croix Hospice who supported Gene healthcare needs.

Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, WA next to his beloved wife. 

Memorial gifts to Rocksteady Boxing, The Lakes at Stillwater, 105 Bridgewater Way, Stillwater, MN 55082 or Trinity Lutheran Church missions fund, 115 4th St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082