Eugene H. Dwyer, 77
Eugene H. Dwyer, 77, of Le Center, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.
Gene was born October 29, 1933, in Le Center, a son of Harry and Christine (Krenik) Dwyer. He graduated from McKinley High School in Le Center in 1951 and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from September 20, 1954 until September 4, 1956. He then attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis for plumbing and heating. Gene married Mary Tikalsky at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague on October 26, 1957. He worked for Dwyer Plumbing & Heating in Le Center, which was started by his father in 1940. Gene purchased the business in 1968 and retired in 1993 when he sold the business to his son, Tom. He was a member of the American Legion, a life member and past commander of the VFW, member of the Le Center Fire Department for 32 years, serving as chief for 10, member of Knights of Columbus, past president of the Le Center Community Club and charter member of the Chamber of Commerce. Gene served on the board of directors for the First State Bank of Le Center for nearly 30 years. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, gardening, following sports and spending time with his grandchildren. Gene and Mary were honored by serving as grand marshals of the 2010 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Le Center.
He is survived by his wife; children Bill (Kristine), Park City, UT, Tom (Deb), Le Center, Gene Jr. (Leslie), Le Sueur, Paul (Natalie), Hibbing, Steve (Sheila), Woodbury, Peter (Mary), Woodbury and Ann (Koen) Bastiaens, Eagan; 22 grandchildren; brothers John (Diane), Burnsville and Patrick, Hastings; and brothers-in-law Ed Foley, Minneapolis, Matthew (Patricia) Tikalsky, New Prague, Joseph (Emma) Tikalsky, New Prague and Leo Malecha, Punta Gorda, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Carol Foley; and sister-in-law Adeline Malecha.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Le Center on Friday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery in Le Center, with military honors provided by the Le Center Area Veteran's Honor Guard. Pallbearers are Gene's sons Bill, Tom, Gene Jr., Paul, Steve and Peter.
Visitation will be held at the Le Center Funeral Home on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. Memorials will be designated to the St. Mary's Building Fund and the American Cancer Society.
