Eugene Theiler

Eugene C. "Gene" Theiler, age 59 of Melrose, died Sunday, September 21, 2014 surrounded by his family and friends at his home in New Munich, Minnesota.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 25 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Eugene Clarence Theiler was born October 25, 1954 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Clarence and Bernice (Bussmann) Theiler. He was united in marriage to Donna Pflipsen on June 21, 1975 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. Gene was employed at Bernick's Pepsi in Waite Park for 22 years and at Lakeville Motor Express in Waite Park for 8 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, bowling, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, going on road trips and vacations.

Gene was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose and Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Theiler of Melrose; children, Kelly Theiler of Melrose, Chris Theiler (fiancé, Ashley Magnuson) of Meire Grove, and Sara (Matt) Heinen of Albany; grandchildren, Donte and Sonja Theiler and Baby Heinen due in January; step-grandchildren, Logan, Bridgette, Summer, and Waylon; sisters and brothers, Audrey Floreck of Radcliff, KY, Jim Theiler (Kay Alexander) of Eagle Bend, Alice (Danny) Hanson of Long Prairie, Kathy (Ken) Lemm of New Munich, Marlene (Mickey) Pflipsen of Melrose, Mary (Don "Duck") VanHeel of Avon, Joe (Julie) Theiler of Melrose, Dave (Bonnie) Theiler of Melrose, Dale (Deanna) Theiler of Long Prairie, and Lori Buttweiler of Woodbury.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Donald Pflipsen; and nephew, Ryan Pflipsen.

Serving as casket bearers will be Chris Theiler, Dusty Theiler, Jeron Theiler, Ron Bussmann, Cory Hanson, and Danny Hansen. Cross bearer will be Sonja Theiler and scripture bearer will be Donte Theiler. Gift bearers will be Marlene Pflipsen and David Theiler. Reader will be Amy Bussmann. Honorary bearers will be Glen and Deb Klaphake, Andy and Judy Heinen, Stan and Ruth Heinen, Jess Hansen, Bruce Birr, and Geno Nelson.