Eugene Howard Henry Major

Eugene Howard Henry Major, age 91, passed away at Chosen Valley Care Center on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Gene was born on September 21, 1929 in Marion, WI, the son of Louis and Flora (Bowers) Major. After graduating from Marion High School in 1947, he moved to Milwaukee, WI, to work for Allis Chalmers. He proudly served his country in the US Army 138th Infantry Regiment from 1950 to 1952 and US Army Reserves until 1958; after which, he graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

He married Joyce Mrotek on May 28, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal, WI; they were married for 54 years at the time of her death in February 2010. While they lived in Menomonee Falls, WI, he worked at Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee and for the County of Milwaukee. In November 1971, the family moved to Preston, MN, where Gene and Joyce owned E. H. Major & Associates.

Gene’s Lutheran faith led him to be involved in the planting and development of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI, where he was also a Boy Scout Leader. In Preston, he was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Preston Masonic Lodge, and Rochester Temple of the Shrine. He enjoyed a good game of Cribbage, Texas Hold ‘Em, and other card games. He spent many years hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Gene is survived by his six children: Sherry (Marv) Johnson; Bob (Ellen) Major; Sandy (Steve) Merkel; Sue Daniels; Marilyn (Ron) Schreier; Ron (Metta) Major; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; his sister: Carol Wedde; brothers-in-law: John (Bernice) Mrotek and Clair (Carol) Mrotek; and sister-in-law: Doreen Mrotek. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his brother and sister-in-law: James (Jean) Major; brother-in-law: Leroy Wedde; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Duane (Helen) Mrotek; brother-in-law: Pat Mrotek; and daughter-in-law: Heidi Major.

The Major family would like to send a sincere thank you to the staffs at Harmony Place Assisted Living and Chosen Valley Care Center for the excellent and compassionate care they gave Gene while he resided there.

A Celebration of his Life will be at 3 P.M on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, with visitation starting at 1 P.M. until the time of the service at Christ Lutheran Church (509 Kansas Street, NW, Preston, MN). An interment will be at Preston Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date. A fellowship time will be held at the Preston Serviceman’s Club following the service.

Memorials are preferred to the Preston American Legion and Christ Lutheran Church.

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