Eugene Leif

Eugene Joseph Leif, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side, Friday, September 20, 2019, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. Gene was born on October 6, 1931, in Wilton, ND, to John and Frances (Feyen) Leif. After graduating from St. Augustine High School, Gene graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, where he studied philosophy and theology. On May 15, 1954, Gene married the love of his life, Madonna Elaine Weis. Gene worked at Hormel Foods for 45 years. Gene was a member of St. Edward’s and St. Augustine’s Parishes, Knights of Columbus, and Pacelli Booster Club. He was an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, weddings, funerals, fish dinners, Mardi Gras Balls, Shamrock Balls, and more. He was an avid (successful) angler with a fish story for all occasions. Gene was an athlete, best known as a catcher in his baseball days. He remained very close to his fellow high-school football referee colleagues (30+ years), his handball and racquetball pals, and recently, with his ping-pong peeps. He also enjoyed cross-country skiing, roller blading, and pheasant hunting. Gene loves God and family. He took every opportunity to spend time with his entire family, children, nieces and nephews, their kids, and even the tiniest of their kids. Gene and Elaine were always together, going to daily Mass followed by coffee, volunteering, dancing, traveling, visiting friends and family, and just being together. Gene is survived by Elaine, his wife of 65 years, their four children, Lois (Paul) Bloomberg, Donna (Brad) Blaser, Thomas (Diane) Leif, and Douglas (Renee) Leif; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Estling, Anne (Stephen) Froelich, Sarah Bloomberg, Ryan (Stephanie) Blaser, Kelsey Leif, Matthew (Ann) Blaser, Jeanne Bloomberg, Collin Leif, Karlie Leif; great grandchildren, Rodney Gene, Atticus, Leif, Aiden, Francis Eugene; many nieces, nephews, and their families; all loved and cherished. Eugene is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gerald, Claude (Bud), and Robert, sisters Mary (Sis) Cummings and Gertrude Erickson, granddaughter Elisa Bloomberg, and infant daughter Baby Leif. The family wishes to thank Dr. Lawrence Keenan for his friendship and care for Gene. A Funeral Mass, with Father Gregory Leif officiating, will be held on Saturday October 12, 2019, at 10:30am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, MN. Visitation will begin one hour before Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice or to the family to be donated to Gene’s charities. Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, October 12 2019
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Service

Saturday, October 12 2019
10:30 AM

St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912