Eugene Michael McAlpin

Eugene “Gene” Michael McAlpin, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on October 25, 2020 – a Sunday afternoon with no Vikings game to watch. 

Gene was born April 13, 1936 in St. Paul. The family moved to Annandale in 1945, where he grew up.  He graduated from Annandale High School, where he met his future bride, Gaile Cochran. 

After traveling across the US and attending college at the University of Washington, he enlisted in the US Navy.  He was a radar tech on an icebreaker for two years, which circled the globe and did an expedition to Antarctica.  During his mission, he phoned home and had his mother purchase a ring and give it to his high school sweetheart, Gaile.  After a too close encounter with an iceberg, that almost sank the ship, Gene returned home to marry Gaile.  Together they moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area where they resided since 1958.  They reared five children while Gene worked in sales and real estate.  Throughout the years he was a member and officer of many service organizations including:  Elks, Moose, Lions, and Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, RVing, and many other activities.

He leaves behind his brother, Pat (Iris); children, Michael (Laura), Pat, Molly (Paul), Tim (Jocelyn), and Shannon (Tom); four granddaughters, Adrianne (Scott), Jordan, Aspen, and Rowan; two great grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. Gaile, his wife of 61 years, preceded him in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, MN on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.  Live streaming option available at blccnorth.org

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lion’s Club is appreciated.

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