Eugene Porter
January 6, 1928 ~ January 9, 2013
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
Eugene Raymond Porter died Jan.9, 2013 at Karen Acres Health Care Center in Urbandale, IA, from complications of Parkinson?s disease at the age of 85. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 12 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Miller. Visitation will be two hours before the funeral at the church. Burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery in Miller.
He was born in Miller, SD on Jan. 6, 1928, the only child of Raymond and Irene (Matson) Porter. He grew up on a farm, 12 miles NW of Miller in Greenleaf Township, where he made friends with the Rudd children from a neighboring farm. He graduated from Miller High School in 1946 and farmed with his father. He served in the Army at Fort Campbell, KY from 1953 to 1955, and a few of the men that he met there became lifelong friends.
He married Mary Ellen Rudd, the love of his life, in 1955 and they had 5 children. The family farm was sold after his father died, and Eugene bought the St. Lawrence Blacksmith Shop and moved his family to St. Lawrence in 1964. He retired from blacksmithing in 1998 and worked at the Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, SD during the summers, with his son Wayne, after retirement. He met many interesting people from all over the nation and other countries and enjoyed talking to them. After his health declined 2 ½ years ago, he moved to Urbandale, IA to be closer to a daughter.
Eugene had a sharp wit, great sense of humor, a strong sense of family, and an excellent work ethic. His children will always remember and appreciate his support and belief that we could do anything we wanted to do. He was much loved and we will miss him.
He is survived by 3 sons, David ( Delia) from Rochester, NY with Chianna, Theresa, and Michael; Wayne from St. Lawrence, SD; Ron (Liana) from Plymouth, MN with Daniel and 2 daughters, Audrey (Steven Bailin) from Urbandale, IA with Rachel, Sam, Adam, and Leah, and Kathy ( Jay Kornder) from Ft. Dodge, IA with Joel, Ryan, Matt, and Lucas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Mary Ellen in 2003.
He was born in Miller, SD on Jan. 6, 1928, the only child of Raymond and Irene (Matson) Porter. He grew up on a farm, 12 miles NW of Miller in Greenleaf Township, where he made friends with the Rudd children from a neighboring farm. He graduated from Miller High School in 1946 and farmed with his father. He served in the Army at Fort Campbell, KY from 1953 to 1955, and a few of the men that he met there became lifelong friends.
He married Mary Ellen Rudd, the love of his life, in 1955 and they had 5 children. The family farm was sold after his father died, and Eugene bought the St. Lawrence Blacksmith Shop and moved his family to St. Lawrence in 1964. He retired from blacksmithing in 1998 and worked at the Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, SD during the summers, with his son Wayne, after retirement. He met many interesting people from all over the nation and other countries and enjoyed talking to them. After his health declined 2 ½ years ago, he moved to Urbandale, IA to be closer to a daughter.
Eugene had a sharp wit, great sense of humor, a strong sense of family, and an excellent work ethic. His children will always remember and appreciate his support and belief that we could do anything we wanted to do. He was much loved and we will miss him.
He is survived by 3 sons, David ( Delia) from Rochester, NY with Chianna, Theresa, and Michael; Wayne from St. Lawrence, SD; Ron (Liana) from Plymouth, MN with Daniel and 2 daughters, Audrey (Steven Bailin) from Urbandale, IA with Rachel, Sam, Adam, and Leah, and Kathy ( Jay Kornder) from Ft. Dodge, IA with Joel, Ryan, Matt, and Lucas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Mary Ellen in 2003.
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Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers are with you all.
David/Delia and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Virginia
My deepest condolances to the Porter family at this time of great loss. I have many good memories of going to the blacksmith shop and always hearing a good joke or story from Eugene, and they had to be told before repairs were done. He will be missed. Once again my deepest sympathies. Mike
We are sorry to hear of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So So Sorry, our thoughts and prayers are with you and may all the memories give you strength and joy
bless you
sue lampi
Wayne and family members, we were sorry to hear of the passing of your father, our prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Ron, Wayne, and family.
So sorry to hear about your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. May you find peace and comfort within your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Bill Harrell
So sorry to read this. Gene was the best and I have fond memories of the Blacksmith shop. Bless you all.
I’m so sorry to learn of your dad’s death. I have such fond memories of his smiling face as he raised his welding sheild to see who had stopped into his shop to visit. Please know he is remembered fondly. Peace and blessings to you all – – Sally