Eugene Battleson, 85

Brainerd – Eugene (Gene) Duane Battleson, 85, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep Monday evening, August 12, 2024, at his home in Brainerd, with his wife, Dolores, by his side.
Gene was born July 8, 1939, to Duane and Pearl (LaCoe) Battleson in Thief River Falls. Gene enlisted in the Navy in 1956 and served his country until 1960. Gene took pride in being a “Navy Shellback”, after traveling over the equator. During his time in the service, he traveled the world including Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, including traveling through the Panama Canal. He specifically talked about his time in Cuba exiting the island right before the Cuban Revolution.
Gene met the love of his life, Dolores Burstad upon discharge. They married on September 23, 1961, in Thief River Falls. Together they raised two daughters, Rosilyn and Rhonda in Hopkins.
Gene was a lifelong lover of food and worked many years as a baker for Red Owl, SuperValu and Lunds-Byerlys. He never met a pastry he didn’t love. He was an excellent baker and could whip up a banana crème pie or any number of breads at a moment’s notice.
Gene loved the outdoors and spent his spare time by the water, boating, fishing, hunting and camping with his family. He loved to road trip and took his family on many spontaneous outings.
For 24 years Gene and Dolores made their home between Isle, MN and Apache Junction, AZ. They loved playing cards, bingo, fishing, visiting with friends and entertaining family. Gene loved to share stories and tell jokes and would talk to anyone who would listen.
Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dolores; their children, Rosilyn (Jim) Derhaag of Maple Grove, and Rhonda (Chandra) Battleson of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Dean (Mari) Derhaag of Osseo, Brandon (Jordan) Derhaag of Dakota Dunes, SD, Brent (Madison) Derhaag of St. Paul; great-grandchildren, Hazel, Grace, Theodore, Kora, and Callen; sister, Peggy (Jim) Brown; brother, Duane (Joy) Battleson; and sister-in-law, Pam Battleson. Survivors also include eighteen nieces and nephews.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Battleson; and two special people who he adored, his grandparents, Eugene (Ole) and Tillie (Fontaine) LaCoe.
A celebration of life service, with Military Honors, will be held promptly at 1 p.m., Friday, August 23, 2024, at The Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.