Gene was born on August 6th, 1952 to Joseph and Gertrude Kotz in Sauk Centre, MN. Gene was raised on the family farm in Belgrade, MN. He was one of 15 children. After Gene graduated from Belgrade High School, he started his career with the Soo Line Railroad (later changed to Canadian Pacific Railway). Gene worked for the railroad for 42 years before he retired at 60.
Gene married Becky Hoffman on September 20th, 1974. Together Gene and Becky had 3 children- Benjamin, Jennifer and Amber. In Gene's free time he enjoyed playing softball, golfing, hunting, spending time at the family farm, camping, gardening and his daily walks. Later in life he enjoyed attending the grandkids' sporting activities, traveling with Becky and spending time at their winter home in Casa Grande, AZ.
He is survived by his wife Becky, Blaine, MN; Three Children- Ben (Jennie) Kotz, White Bear Lake, MN, Jen (Josh) Thies of Sartell, MN and Amber (Randy) Prescott, Houlton, WI; Four Grandchildren- Dominic (Jessica) Thies, Alyssa (Zach) Thies, Jack and Reis Prescott; Three Great-grandchildren- Emberlynn, Creed and Mallory Weber; Ten siblings- Ron (Jan), Virginia, Butch (Mary), Max (Don), Wayne (Marcia), Maggie (Donnie), Janet, Kathy (Fournet), Mark (Mickey), Lori (Brian). Gene is survived by many cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and many many friends. Gene was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Gertrude Kotz; Sisters- Monica, Rosella and Julie; and One Brother, Brian.
An evening visitation will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55448. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Church of St. Timothy, 707 89th Avenue NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55434.
Special thank you to Dr. Noel Laudi and Michele Kranz at Allina Oncology and all the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their care for Gene through his cancer journey.
