Eugene grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended St. Agnes High School. In high school, Eugene (or, as his friends called him, “Geno”) was Homecoming King his senior year, participated in basketball and football, and developed incredibly special friendships. After high school, he attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul and graduated in 1973 with a Psychology degree. In 1977, Gene moved to Rome, Georgia through the AmeriCorps/Vista program. He spent 2 years in Georgia working as a counseling aid for a youth correctional facility. In between his many motorcycle rides and concert attendances, he was able to make incredible friends during that time in Georgia that he continued to cherish throughout his life.
Gene migrated back to St. Paul in 1979, and became sober from alcohol and cigarettes, cold turkey, at age 28. When Gene put his mind to something, nothing could stand in his way. Back in the Twin Cities, he became very involved with the Catholic Church, specifically the Newman Center in Minneapolis. At a church retreat, he met his other half and life partner, Suzie (nee Kasper). They were married in 1981, and spent 39 incredible years together. Gene spent many years as a probation counselor for public schools in the Twin Cities. Gene and Suzie enjoyed many bike trips together, in addition to sharing a passion for Christianity, local theatre, music, and social service.
In 1988, Gene received a degree from the University of Minnesota in Physical Therapy. From 1988-2003, Gene worked as a physical therapist at many hospitals in the Twin Cities, including Regions Hospital and United Hospital. In 2003, Gene was diagnosed with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis, a diagnosis that would quickly consume his body, but never consumed his unbeatable spirit. Gene was a voracious runner and completed six marathons in his life, including Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, the Twin Cities Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. For 10 years straight, he packed the same thing for lunch every day: a peanut butter sandwich, an apple, carrots, and a Snickers bar. Gene had an unflappable work ethic, a courageous spirit, a wry sense of humor, a tender heart, a sensitive, inquisitive mind, and was a devoted and patient father to his two daughters, Elena (30) and Meridith (27). For the last seven years of his life, Gene lived at Carondelet Care Center in St. Paul. There, he received incredible care from his nurses, aides, and coordinators. Gene never let his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis define him, but instead proved to the world, as an avid cribbage player, that it’s not about the cards that you’re dealt, but the way that you play them.
Preceded in death by his beloved family members; parents Lyle and Marge Glass; brothers Jack and Lyle Jr., “Louie”; and nephews John and Rob.
Survived by his wife, Suzanne; daughters, Elena and Meridith; siblings, Peggy, Bob (Jean), Terri McQuillan (Frank), Mary Kay Quade (Doug); and sisters-in-law, Theresa Glass, Linda Glass, and Meg Kasper. Gene will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends.
An outdoor visitation will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, June 19th at St. Rose of Lima, 2048 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN, with an indoor mass to follow at 1:00PM. In the midst of this pandemic, we encourage those who do not feel comfortable coming inside to attend the outdoor visitation. Social distancing will be observed at the indoor service, and we strongly encourage all those attending to wear masks, which will be available on site. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National MS Society or The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
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