Obituary of Eugene Duane Battleson

Eugene (Gene) Duane Battleson, 85, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep Monday evening, August 12th, 2024, at his home in Brainerd, MN with his wife, Dolores, by his side.

A celebration of life service, with Military Honors, will be held promptly at 1pm, Friday, August 23rd, at The Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.

Gene was born July 8th, 1939, to Duane and Pearl (LaCoe) Battleson in Thief River Falls, MN. Gene enlisted in the Navy in 1956 and served his country until 1960. Gene took pride in being a “Navy Shellback”, after traveling over the equator. During his time in the service, he traveled the world including Spain, France, Italy, Greece including traveling through the Panama Canal. He specifically talked about his time in Cuba exiting the island right before the Cuban Revolution.

Gene met the love of his life, Dolores Burstad upon discharge. They married on September 23, 1961, in Thief River Falls, MN. Together they raised two daughters, Rosilyn and Rhonda in Hopkins, MN. Gene was a life-long lover of food and worked many years as a baker for Red Owl, Supervalu and Lunds-Byerlys. He never met a pastry he didn’t love. He was an excellent baker and could whip up a Banana Crème Pie or any number of breads at a moment’s notice.

Gene loved the outdoors and spent his spare time by the water, boating, fishing, hunting and camping with his family. He loved to road trip and took his family on many spontaneous outings.

For 24 years Gene and Dolores made their home between Isle, MN and Apache Junction, AZ. They loved playing cards, bingo, fishing, visiting with friends and entertaining family. He loved to share stories and tell jokes and would talk to anyone who would listen.

Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dolores. Their children, Rosilyn (Jim) Derhaag of Maple Grove, MN. Rhonda (Chandra) Battleson of Minneapolis, MN. Grandchildren Dean (Mari) Derhaag of Osseo, MN; Brandon (Jordan) Derhaag of Dakota Dunes, SD; Brent (Madison) Derhaag of St. Paul, MN. Great grandchildren Hazel, Grace, Theodore, Kora, and Callen. Sister Peggy (Jim) Brown, Brother Duane (Joy) Battleson, and Sister-in-law Pam Battleson. Including eighteen nieces and nephews.

Gene is proceeded in death by his parents, brother Gary Battleson, and two special people who he adored, his grandparents, Eugene (Ole) and Tillie (Fontaine) LaCoe.