A. Eugene "Gene" Smith

A. Eugene (Gene) Smith passed away on January 27, 2025. He was born on July 31, 1929, to Arthur J. and Lillian (Haun) Smith. Gene grew up in Winona, where he graduated from Cotter High School and St. Mary’s College with a degree in accounting. Following graduation he accepted a position at Dunn & Bradstreet in the Twin Cities but would soon return to Winona to reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Barbara A. Lelwica.

On February 14, 1953, Gene married that sweetheart at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Together, they would raise their seven children and cherish each other, for nearly 70 years. Dad worked tirelessly to support the family as Mom doted on him and spoiled him. In return he was ever kind and loving with her. They never tired of saying, “I love you” to each other, typically followed by a gentle kiss. Anyone entering a room where both were present could instantly feel the love they shared for each other and after Barbara’s death he regularly spoke of his longing to be with her.

Gene dedicate his career choices to those that would provide for Barbara and the family. Once back in Winona, Gene served as as the Director of the Catholic Rec Center. He would later move on to become a Mill Office Clerk for Bay State Milling, then Accountant and Controller for Watkins and finally the Controller for Technigraph, from which he would retire. 

When not working his regular job, Gene would share what little time he had giving back to his communities. He was an active member of the Winona Jaycees, serving as President for six years. He later became the Mayor of Rollingstone with the proud moment of ushering a new water and sewer system to the small rural community. A constant tinkerer and a dreamer, dad with his long time neighbor and friend, Harold Stoos, decided that they could “rig up” a way for the neighborhood to have more than one or two TV channels off of roof top antennas. Together, they convinced 10 neighbors to invest in a concept that involved equipping a wind mill tower with a couple of antenna’s on Rollingstone Hill, that created the first cable company in Rollingstone, “Tip Top Cable TV” which would later be sold and expanded to become “Tri-Star TV”. However, Gene’s commitment to his community wouldn’t end with that venture.

Gene’s most proud contribution would be establishing an Elementary School in Rollingstone. Gene and Barbara, along with some very committed friends, launched a capital campaign to get a new school to allow Rollingstone elementary students to attend a neighborhood school. Meetings, fundraising campaigns, design discussions, grant writings and unwavering determination resulted in the building of a brand new elementary school for Rollingstone’s children. Today, that school is known as Rollingstone Community School, a school that dad continues to proudly support.

And then there were the times that were “Gene’s time”. His shop was his sanctuary. He thoroughly enjoyed his quiet time either fixing something on the workbench or building something with his tools. But the weekends were for time on the river. Dad loved boating on the Mississippi and spending time on the sandbars watching the family play in the water or sharing a beer with friends. In the early river years, he built his own pontoon, but later changed his preferred watercraft to a house boat so that sleeping and cooking could extend the weekend relaxation. 

In all aspects of Gene’s 95 years, his influence was ever present in so many ways. He was unconditionally devoted to his wife, his family and to his faith. He was a committed man. Committed to making his community a better place, committed to helping make a difference in the lives he came in contact and committed to setting and celebrating the achievements of his children. But above all, Dad was a kind and caring man, always willing to stop what he was doing to help a neighbor or a friend, a man that loved to listen to a good story and one who was known to share easy, whimsical humor. He gave the most endearing hugs and the gentlest kisses. He rarely raised his voice and the words “I love you” were shared often. Dad modeled for all his children the importance of kindness and love and now it’s on us to carry on that expectation - a promise embraced.

Gene is survived by his seven children: Mary Lin (Jeff) Wershofen, Vickie (Mark) Malay, Beckie (Mike) Rolbiecki, Bobbie (Chris) Gostout, Amy (Lloyd) York, Patsy (Dan Fradl) Yelsa, Eric (Nicki) Smith, twenty grandchildren: Jason, Justin (Emily), and Adam (Alison) Wershofen, Molly (Nathan) Wershofen-Stockdale, Allison (Jack) Queensland, Lucas (Hailey) and Colin (Alex) Malay, Matt (Heather) and Danny (Casey Schewe) Rolbiecki, Anna (Mark) Urbick, Zach, Noah (Elizabeth) and Christian Gostout, Katie (Bryan) Techel, David (Angie) Mahlke, Isabel and Max Yelsa, Drew, Ava, and Ethan Smith and twenty-seven, great-grandchildren.

Gene is further survived by his sister, Marihelen (Bob) Liegel; and brother-in-law, Ted (Marge) Lelwica. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents; his brothers, Donald and Arthur; and his sister-in-law, Joan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, with visitation taking place at the Basilica prior to the Mass from 11 AM to11:45 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers it is Gene’s wish to have memorials made to Rollingstone Community School. The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to St. Elizabeth’s Senior Care in Wabasha, MN and to the St. Croix Hospice Services. Your care and compassion were felt on every visit.

One last kiss and an, “I Love You, Dad.”

Online condolences or memories may be left for Gene’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.