Eugene "Gene" W. Saunders

Eugene “Gene” W. Saunders, 91 of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at his residence, comforted by family.  Funeral Services will be at noon on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Neil Peck L.S. officiating.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Monday, May 16^th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home with family present at 6:00 p.m. and a Masonic Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening.  Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com  In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Abu Bekr Shrine Transportation Fund. 

Gene was born on October 15, 1930 on a little farm east of Hinton, to Lyall and Mildred (Johnson) Saunders.  He grew up in Sioux City, and graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1949.  Gene served his country in the United States Air Force, as a Staff Sergeant. 

Gene married Geraldine “Geri” Thomas in December 1962.  Together they were blessed with sons, Todd and Troy.   Gene has lived and worked in the Sioux City area, breeding/showing Quarter horses, then moved into the family business, Saunders Oil, for 45 years.  Gene retired in 2000.

Gene became a Mason in 1954 in Missouri.  He joined the Abu Bekr Shrine in 1995.  At the time he joined, he became a Rat Patrol member on-the-spot, of which he was Captain in 2001.  He was active until 2016 at the age 83.  Gene was also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

Gene spent his time enjoying the beautiful home-river views and watching his favorite team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He was also known for his ability to sit back and enjoy a scotch and water.

Gene is survived by his sons Todd (Brenda) Saunders of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Troy Saunders of Sioux City, and Jeff (Pat) Saunders of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; daughter Dawn and step-daughter Glenda (Mark); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother Keith (Nettie) Saunders of Onawa, Iowa.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Geri in 2003, sister Pat Saunders and step-daughter Kathy Trucke.

Casket Bearers for the service will be Bob Hostad, Glenn Parrett, David Benson, Johnny Schleis, Levi Saunders, and Faustin Mahlke.  Honorary Bearers will include Mark Harmon and Bob Golden.