Gene Sigfrid, 92

Gene Edward Sigfrid, 92, of Portland, Oregon, formerly of Parkers Prairie, died Sunday, November 4, 2012 at an assisted living center in Gresham, Oregon.

A memorial service was held Saturday, November 10 at 11 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with the Rev. Jon Sorum officiating. Music was provided by organist, Dean Swanson and vocalist, Dedra Zwieg. Burial was at Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Full military honors were provided by the Parkers Prairie American Legion Post #219 and Minnesota Honor Guard.

Gene was born June 3, 1920 to Edward and Elsie (Johnson) Sigfrid in Parkers Prairie. He was baptized and confirmed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. He attended Parkers Prairie public schools, where he was very active in the music program. He played trumpet in the band, sang in the choir and was part of a men's sextet singing group. He graduated in 1938.

Following his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in January of 1941. He played trumpet in the Army band until the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was then assigned to a field artillery division, where he served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany.

Following his honorable discharge in 1945, Gene returned to live in Alexandria and worked at the Great Lakes Pipeline.

He was united in marriage to Geneva Blake in 1948. To this union, three sons were born, Gene Jr., Steven and Bruce. In 1956, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he worked until retirement. Following retirement, Gene spent summers in Parkers Prairie, where he enjoyed time spent with family.

He was a former member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie.

Gene was especially fond of music. He enjoyed Big Band music and playing trumpet while in the Army band.

Gene is survived by two sons, Gene Jr. (Janet) Sigfrid of Corbett, Oregon and Steven Sigfrid of Deer Creek; sister, Donna Sigfrid of Parkers Prairie; brother, Robert Sigfrid of Lead, South Dakota; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bruce; and brother, Darol.

Arrangements are with Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service; www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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