Eugene (Gene) Hiram Schmalz was born on June 12, 1929 to Henry and Tempa (Clark) Schmalz in Rockford, Illinois. When Gene was six months old his family moved to Westbrook, Minnesota. Gene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Westbrook. He received his education from Westbrook Public School where he graduated with the Class of 1949. On December 31, 1949, Gene was united in marriage to Norma Twait at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, David, Michael, Mark, and Stephanie. After their marriage, Gene and Norma lived in Windom where Gene spent many years as a building contractor building homes and commercial projects in and around Windom. He was one of the principal rebuilders of Windom's town square after the great fire of Christmas 1968 and he was the first builder to successfully develop condominium homes in Windom. In their later years, Gene and Norma would spend many winters in Mission, Texas. At 8:17 a.m. on August 25th, Gene cast off for his next existence; He moved on from his home, with family at his side, as he wanted. He was serenaded by the song he spent decades making, the sound of hammers in the morning, brisk and direct, starting exactly on time, and in perfect rhythm. His transition was peaceful; he showed his strength and unwillingness to complain to his very last breath. Gene was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom where he served many years as an usher. He was a City Council member, active with the Boy Scouts and Jaycee's and as a Shriner. He was a Windom volunteer fireman for 22 years. Gene's many enjoyments in life were golfing, fishing, hunting, building projects for his family and friends, bowling, square dancing, and traveling to many parts of the world. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Gene is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Norma Schmalz of Windom; four children, Dave Schmalz of Los Angelos, CA; Mike Schmalz of Waco, TX; Mark Schmalz and his wife, Cristina, of Honolulu, HI; and Stephanie Engler of Plymouth. Also survived by six grandchildren, Alex and Jessie Schmalz of Los Angelos, CA; Elisa, Brett and Brandon Engler of Plymouth; and Bridget M. Schmalz Thorp of Hon, HI; one brother, Dale Schmalz of Mora; one sister, Cleo Baker of Walnut Grove; three sister-in-law's, Dorothy Maras of Windom, Mary Schmalz of Westbrook and Betty Twait of Windom; two brother-in-law's, Kermit Twait of Windom and Don Baker of Walnut Grove; daughter-in-law, Pat Winter of Los Angelos, CA; son-in-law, Doug Engler of Fridley; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Theone Andreson and her husband, Pete Andreson; one brother, Nylo Schmalz; two sister-in-law's and two brother-in-law's, Leona Nelson and her husband, Art Nelson, JoAnne Schmalz and Ray Maras. Blessed be the memory of Eugene (Gene) Schmalz. He is the foundation of our family and the platform that allowed each of us to excel and soar in our lives. We miss his presence in our eyes and ears, and his strong hands, but we feel his gift of Spirit shining all the brighter in our Spirits, and in the hearts of all who opened their Spirit to his love, generosity and insight. Come and celebrate that Spirit and his life with us.