Eugene Puttbrese

Gene Puttbrese 68 of Frazee, MN passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2020.  Gene was born May 9, 1952 at Detroit Lakes, MN to Alice (Pederson) and Everette Puttbrese. He grew up in the Frazee area where he attended school and later the Vo-tech in Detroit Lakes, MN for Diesel Mechanics.

Endeavors had him driving truck, taking a job as a mechanic in Saudi for a period of time and working for MNDOT for several years.  Five o’clock was never quitting time.  If he was not at work he was back at work amidst one of the many projects he had going in his big yellow shop.  He spent the last 22 years employed by R.D.O in Park Rapids where he planned to retire this January.

Flying was a passion of Gene’s.  He obtained his private pilot’s license April 28, 1981 and purchased his own airplane July 2016.  It was thought that perhaps he was finally going to slow down.

He leaves his wife Mary (Golkowski) of 48 years, his children JoLyn (Den) Halvorson, Jessi (Jared) Lotzer, Ryan Puttbrese and Lyndsey Puttbrese. His grandchildren, who made him soft, Karli, Jared and Seth Renney, Kiley Pederson, Logan Lotzer and Madoc Belland.

He also leaves his mother Alice Puttbrese, sisters Gloria Halverson, Phyllis Bahr, Patty Lorenzen and Laurette (James) Schmidt,  his extended family JoAnn Vierling, Larry Golkowski, Tom (Betty) Golkowski, Randy (Tammy) Golkowski, Scott (Mary) Golkowski and many nieces and nephews as well as a host of wonderful friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Preceding him in death are his dad Everette, and brothers Roger, Gary, Monty and David, his extended family Emil & Lenora Golkowski, Carol Wick, Tammy Wold, Carmen Wick, Jim Vierling, Janis Golkowski and Mike Golkowski.

Family and friends are welcome to a gathering Friday, September 25th at the home of Gene and Mary between 2pm – 6pm with service at 3pm.