Eugene Matthew Zins passed away of natural causes on December 10 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. He was 71.
Born on March 7, 1944, he was the oldest son and second of six children born to Matthew and Arlene Zins. He graduated from Nicollet High School and went on to earn his masters degree in vocational rehabilitation from Mankato State University. He spent many years as a counselor before returning to the family farm near Nicollet.
Gene was a creative, passionate man and craftsman who built his family's log home on Swan Lake by hand. He loved the outdoors and never lost his respect for nature and all the animals that so fascinated him. He loved a hot political debate, organic farming and gardening, classical music, a good burger with a chocolate malt, and watching the deer and birds cavort through the yard.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen (nee Langsjoen); son John; daughter Rebecca (Jeff Moeller), stepfather Jack Miska; grandson Christopher Menton, grandsons Joshua, Jonah, and Ezra Moeller; brother Don, sisters Donna, Marlene, Brenda, and Karen, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Per Gene's wishes, there will be no funeral service.