Cover photo for Eugene (Gene) Auringer's Obituary
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1932 Eugene 2022

Eugene (Gene) Auringer

August 1, 1932 — May 6, 2022

Eugene (Gene) Richard Auringer, age 89, of Austin, Minnesota, went home to Jesus on Friday, May 6, 2022, in Austin. Gene was born on August 1, 1932, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Ralph and Harriet (Harmon) Auringer. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1950 and worked for a year in a shoe store in St. James, Minnesota to earn tuition money for college. He obtained his teaching degree in education from Mankato State University and a master’s degree from South Dakota State University. Gene taught at the high schools in St. James, Minnesota and Fairfax, Minnesota. In 1963, he relocated to Austin Community College and taught chemistry. Gene married Lois Olson on June 6, 1954, in St. James. They had five children, Brian, Gail, Mark, Lynn, and Jason. Gene sang joyfully in the church choir for 50 years. He also sang with the Northwestern Singers for many years. He shared his love of music with the entire family. Gene enjoyed tending his roses and calla lilies. He coached wrestling and football and was very fond of many sports. He was well-known for his spoonerisms and love of rhyme. One great grandchild was asked what he remembered about Grandpa Gene, and he said, “He plays cribbage, he wins cribbage, and he shouts Aaamen after prayers!” Most importantly, he had an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, which he shared with those around him. Gene was generous with his time, talent, and treasures and he was the epitome of Christ’s love for the church and his love for his wife.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Auringer of Austin, MN; children, Brian (Paula) Auringer of Mantorville, MN, Gail (Rodney) Jefferson of Coon Rapids, MN, Lynn (Greg) Handzel of Tallahassee, FL, and Jason (Karla) Auringer of Wentzville, MO; daughter-in-law, Sandy Auringer of Austin, MN; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Ralph, Jr. (LaVerne) Auringer and Jim (Lynn) Auringer; and sister-in-law, Edythe Auringer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph, Sr. and Harriet Auringer; son, Mark Auringer; brothers, Duane and Robert Auringer; and sisters, Beverly and Kay.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene (Gene) Auringer, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, May 12, 2022

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Worlein Funeral Home - Austin

1801 4th St NW, Austin, MN 55912

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Visitation

Friday, May 13, 2022

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

St. John's Lutheran Church

1200 13th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912

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Funeral Service

Friday, May 13, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

St. John's Lutheran Church

1200 13th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home - Austin

1800 4th St NW, Austin, MN 55912

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