Eugene Robert Suek

Eugene “Gene” Robert Suek, 85, left this world, his family and his friends on March 22, 2022, to be with Jesus.

Gene was born on July 26, 1936, in Great Falls to Henry and Caroline Suek. He was the last of four children, joining brothers Lawrence and Herb and sister Dorothy. Growing up back then wasn’t always roses, but Gene had one thing going for him: he was the apple of his sister’s eye. Dorothy was always sticking up for him, even when he put his arm through the French doors at their house.

As a young man, Gene delivered newspapers and worked at Safeway until going to work on the family farm. Being skilled with his hands, he bought and refurbished a black Mercury. He sold the car and, along with earnings from Safeway, bought a brand new 1956 Ford Crown Victoria, which he used to court his future bride, Joy Hassler. The two married in November 1957 and spent the next 64 years by each other’s side. They had two sons, Larry and Donny.

While working at the farm, Gene was active with the Sheriff’s Posse Search & Rescue Team, rode with other team members in the Calgary Stampede Parade and played polo in many O-Mok-See events. He also was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church throughout his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity as a young boy. He was President of the Walther League, the church’s youth group, and later became President of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and President of the congregation.

Gene and Joy spent 27 years farming out on the Bootlegger Trail and raised award-winning Angus cattle. At one time, they had the only SPF disease-free hog operation in Montana and sold many to other hog operations around the state. In 1984, they moved to Great Falls for a handful of years. Gene worked at the Great Falls Municipal Golf Course in the summer. They wintered in California, where they could be with their son, Larry, who lived in the San Diego area.

But the farm life kept calling, and Gene and Joy eventually bought a place in Vaughn, where they grew hay and raised a few head of cattle, enough to keep Gene busy. They sold the place in 2020 and returned to Great Falls, where they lived until Gene’s passing.

Gene was honest and hardworking and a wonderful friend to many. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Gene is survived by the love of his life, Joy; son, Larry Suek (Trish); son, Don (Melonnie) Suek; grandchildren, Henry Suek, Cole Suek, Kaleb Suek and Tess (Johnny) Husar; former daughters-in-law, Wendy Miller and Lori Suek; and many close relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Caroline Suek; brothers, Lawrence and Herb Suek; sister, Dorothy Rosenberg; niece, Yvonne Lee; and sisters-in-law, Helen Suek, Margaret Suek and Shirley Suek.

A visitation will be held at Croxford Funeral Home on Friday, March 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Gene’s life will take place on Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with burial at Highland Cemetery. A reception will follow back at Trinity.

A special thanks to the staff of Teton Peaks Assisted Living in Choteau, MT, for the loving and compassionate care they provided to our husband, father and grandfather.

Condolences for the family may be shared at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com.

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