Gene E. Harnack
Tuesday, March 20, 1928
Date of Death:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Age:
95 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday October 07, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday October 07, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Live Stream of Memorial Service
Click HERE to watch the livestream of Gene's Memorial service.
Tuesday, March 20, 1928
Date of Death:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Age:
95 years old
Tuesday, March 20, 1928
Date of Death:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Age:
95 years old
Gene E. Harnack
Gene Harnack, 95 of Rochester, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2023.
Gene Elden Harnack was born on March 20, 1928, to Elden and Lenora (Maass) Harnack. He was a lifelong resident of Rochester, except for two years in the US Navy including serving on the U.S.S. Endicott and four years at the University of MN. In 1952 he joined his father’s six-month-old furniture business and spent 41 years there, retiring in 1993.
On June 10, 1949, he married his High School sweetheart Ardis Berg and their 32-year marriage ended with her death in 1981. In 1986 he married (his midlife soul mate) Marlene Flynn and they were married for 37 years.
Gene was active in his church and community. As a 50-year-old member of Grace Lutheran Church he served as president. Later he became a member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church where he provided a leadership role and served on committees.
He was a charter and 25-year member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and served on other Chamber boards and committees. As a 25-year Trustee at Oakwood Cemetery his group restored the Healy Chapel and opened an extension of Oakwood Cemetery on Viola Road. For over 60 years he was an active member of the Rochester Exchange Club where he provided a leadership role for The Book of Golden Deeds, the Flag Project, and the Freedom Shrine at Soldiers Field Park. He was a member of the Elks Club, Eagles, SCORE, and the American Legion.
Gene enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, loved Major League Baseball, loved meeting Willie Mays, Leo Durocher, Lindsey Nelson, and others. He loved fishing and fishing on Black Duck Lake, in the Gulf of Mexico at Perdido Key, Florida and in Canada with his brother and friends. He never outgrew his love for the music of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday.
But most of all he loved being with his family and close friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ardie, his sister, Judy and brother-in-law James Daly, stepson Michael Flynn, and son-in-law, Robert Pfaff.
He is survived by his wife Marlene, his daughters Christine Harnack, Julie and son-in-law Steve Lent, Rebecca Harnack Pfaff, Anne Harnack, his brother Thomas Harnack and sister-in law Connie, stepsons Steve Flynn, Tom Flynn, Brian Flynn, 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Rochester officiated by Rev. Dr. Carl-Eric Gentes on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00AM with visitation one hour before the service at the church. A luncheon and military honors will immediately follow. Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Macken Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Harnack/Flynn family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be made to Season’s Hospice or Good Shepard Lutheran Church.
Condolences
The family of Gene E. Harnack has received the following condolences.
Gene was a long time friend add was one of our charter members ar senior softball Gene will be missed by me
My prayers for Gene and his family and friends Thanks for sharing
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Marlene & Tom along with the rest of the Harnack family
I just read this; I am so sorry for your loss!! I LOVED Gene and the relationship that I had since I was 9 years old. Being his papergirl and seeing Gene & Tom every day delivering the Post Bulletin. I will forever have loving memories of the good ole days.
Then to have the honor of being with Gene & Tom at the Million Dollar Golf tournament and having you two fight over who was going to get the first hug from me. So many laughs helping the golfers hit that shot. Gene and I would be right up at the front welcoming them and wishing the best.
Gene was always smiling and in a great mood; he loved visiting with everyone. I will truly miss him. He was like another Grandfather to me!
I"m so sorry Marlene; he LOVES you so much! He always told me he was blessed to marry two wonderful women for all those years. HE was loved by many!
Marlene I will call you on Gene's phone #; I hope you still have the number
Tom here's a BIG HUG!! I know you WILL MISS your brother!!
My heart goes out to you & your family!!
Gene and Danny Macken were best friends the first 12 years of their lives and remained good friends for life. This is a poem about their friendship and one of their greatest pranks when they put a smoke bomb in the tail pipe of Mrs Preggy's car. The police were called and the kids got off with a warning. It was one of Gene's favorite stories and he loved to tell it.
Velcro Kids
Life in 1928 was really nice
The first year of Gene's life
Eldon, Lenore and Gene were new
In a house on the corner of 1st St and 12th Ave.
All three slepted in the living room
3 nurses rented and they used one bathroom
Danny Macken lived next door and was Gene's best friend
Their friendship never did end.
Walking to the Lawler theatre on the Mexican trail
Junking for milk bottles to sell at retail
The Velcro kids went everywhere
Sold comic books for the county fair
Gene and Danny's greatest joke
Mrs Preggy's car went up in smoke
The Velcro kids best tall tall
Danny and Gene just about ended up in jail
So sorry to read about Gene. I know your family will miss him. Loving Kay and Jim.
Sending so much love your way! I loved Gene with his wonderful laugh, sweet smile, and great sense of humor! He will always hold a special place in my heart!
Julie, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father Gene. He was a terrific guy and a wonderful father to you and your sisters. I’m sure there will be many great memories of your father to take with you for years to come.
Gene was an amazing person and I loved his smile and sense of humor. He'll be missed big time, especially for his countless contributions to so many causes. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Doug & Janelle Halverson
To Tom especially and the entire Harnack family:
My sincere sympathy and condolences on Gene's death.
John Whelan
Chris, I wish I could have gotten your know your father better, I only met him once but it was a memorable occasion, he was excited to be going fishing with his friend. I know how much he meant to you I wish you and your family peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad had a great life and four wonderful daughters. He was so handsome. I remember him well. I remember the summer your parents graciously let me live in their home. Gene would drive us to work in the morning. Your parents attended graduation at Mankato. Take care of each other during this difficult time. Deb
Already submitted.
Blessings and love to the Harnack family! His was a life well lived! ❤️
Uncle Gene (s), as I called him, was my sweetest uncle ever and I always loved seeing his beautiful smile. He was an amazingly caring, thoughtful, fun, smart, and beautiful man and will be greatly missed. Heaven has gained a goody and they are having a ball up there now. Love you buddy.