Wendell Gravlun

Gene Gravlun Wendell ?Gene? Gravlun was born on March 8, 1932 in Benson, MN to Alfred and Avis (Sandstrom) Gravlun. As a young man Gene worked for the Great Northern Railroad and also on his uncle?s farm. Gene graduated from Benson High School and attended Dunwoody Institute for woodworking. Gene served in the U.S. Army from 1952 ? 1954. On September 8, 1956 Gene married Blanche Underthun at Big Bend Lutheran in Big Bend, MN. To this union the couple was blessed with two sons and one daughter. They made their home in Excelsior, where they lived for forty years. He worked for a few years for the Army Corp of Engineers on locks and dams. Gene loved his work as a carpenter and left his mark on many beautiful buildings in the Twin Cities area. He retired after nineteen years of work with the Minneapolis Schools as a carpenter. Gene also enjoyed working as an usher and security guard for the Minneapolis Aquatennial and other events. Gene loved to hunt and fish, travel, playing cards and watching his children and grandchildren?s sporting activities. He also loved being with his family and was especially proud of Geena and Tyler and their accomplishments. Gene died on Friday, May 8, 2009 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Blanche of 52 years; daughter Julie (Tom) Flemming of Excelsior; son Mark Gravlun of St. Bonifacius; grandchildren Tyler and Geena Flemming; and many nieces and nephews. Gene is preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Avis; son Lee Allen; sister La Vonne O?Malley; brothers Lee, Paul, and Lowell; and many friends and relatives. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Mark Astrup officiating. Music was provided by organist, Becky Worley. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. Interment was in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Excelsior. Casket bearers were Troy Stottler, Larry Smith, David Smith, Tom Flemming, Tyler Flemming, Tom Wyffles, Lowell Sandstrom, and Jim Sandstrom. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.