Eugene Taplin, 88

Eugene C. Taplin, 88, died Monday, October 1, 2012, at his son John’s home.

Eugene was born in rural Fairmont, the son of George B and Martha (Hamilton) Taplin. Gene attended school until the 8th grade. when his dad took him out so that he could help on the farm. In November 1944, Gene enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge in November 1946. During this time he served in the South Pacific and was with the first group of the U.S. Army to enter Tokyo. While he was in the military, he boxed in the Golden Gloves.

Upon returning home to Fairmont, Gene farmed for about three years and then attended the Minnesota Bible College in the Twin Cities. He was united in marriage to H. June Lincoln on June 18, 1950. The couple moved to Seattle, where Gene attended graduate school and also worked for Boeing where he converted B-52s to commercial aircraft.

Following his graduation, he began preaching and served Minnesota congregations in Madelia; St. Peter; Cohasset; Tamarack and Island Lake, Wisconsin. The couple also taught at various youth camps: Christian Harbor Camp in Holcomb, WI and Pine Haven Christian Assembly near Park Rapids. Together as a couple, Gene and June served with the Camp Courage Wagon Train for nearly 20 years, with Gene playing the role of the country parson. Gene also drove school bus until he was 81 years old. Last year, he was an active participant in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil. Gene consumed books with a passion, but the Word of God was always his favorite. His willingness to fill in the pulpit for anyone who needed him continued far into his retirement; as long as he was able to, in fact.

Gene loved the out-of-doors, which included hunting, fishing and gardening. November was deer hunting and little came in its way. He loved to travel and was fortunate enough to travel to the Holy Land in 2011 with his daughter and two granddaughters.

He is survived by his children, Patty (Allen) Jacobson of Hibbing, Dave (Suzanne) Taplin of Bovey, and John (Marsha) Taplin of Nelson; grandchildren, Kharissa, Esther, Sarah, Ariel, Christina, Hannah, Joshua, Elizabeth, Katelyn and Jacob; numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and eight brothers and sisters.

Memorial services were held Friday, October 5 at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria with Pastor Jeremy Schneider and Pastor Tim Smith officiating. Inurnment was at Center Chain Cemetery near Fairmont.

Military Honors were accorded by the American Legion Post #87, VFW Post #936, and the Minnesota National Guard.

Memorials may be sent to the following: Crossroads College; Pine Haven Christian Assembly; New Life Christian Church; Salvation Army or 40 Days for Life.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, www.andersonfuneral.net; with special thanks to Roy-Hetland Funeral Home of Osakis.

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