Eugene Frandrup

Eugene “Gene” Gerard Frandrup, 64, of Elmwood, Wisc. died Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at his home with his family and Fiancée by his side. He was born February 17, 1960 in Hastings, Minn. to Leroy and Dorothy (Stark) Frandrup. He grew up in Prescott, Wisc. and graduated from Prescott High School, class of 1978. Gene grew up as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prescott where he also attended Catholic grade school. 

He was a jack-of-all trades and he had many jobs over his lifetime. He worked for The Red Wing Shoe Co., at Treasure Island as a pull tab clerk, for Xcel at both the steam plant and the nuclear plant, the Koch Refinery and as a union laborer for Wisconsin Local 375 and Minnesota Local 405. 

He married Debra Domben shortly after high school and the couple had two sons, Nick and Cory. They later divorced. He then married Sue Skordahl and they had one daughter, Cassi, together. They also later divorced.

Gene enjoyed playing pool. In 2008, as part of a chance meeting during a pool game, he was introduced to his fiancée, Pam McKenzie. In 2021 Gene began fixing up what would become Gene’s dream home on a beautiful section of woods in Elmwood. Gene loved being outdoors and structured his year around hunting season. It was either bow hunting season or the season to plan for hunting. He enjoyed fishing, “kayamping” (kayaking + camping) and spending the 4th of July weekend up North with his family. He also had a love for playing the drums throughout his life. 

He was a thoughtful and empathetic person who always put his family first. He loved his children, Nickolaus Lee, Cory John, and Cassandra Jean, who he had a special relationship with individually but was the chain that bonded them together. He looked forward to spending time with them and his grandchildren whenever possible. 

Gene had a way of winning everyone over. He knew how to listen and was always willing to help. He faced his own diagnosis with bravery and grace, despite his pain. His concern was always for the feelings of those around him. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his children, Nick (Tanya Palesotti), Cory (Anna Peterson) and Cassi (Ben Smigla); fiancée, Pam; Pam’s children, Riley (Rachel) McKenzie, and Tucker Johnson; his bonus son/nephew and best friend, JJ Frandrup; 14 grandchildren, Stone, Justice, River, Nova, Hailie, Olivia, Logan, Avery, Jack, Levi, Tyler, Lilly, Tessley and Benson; 7 siblings, MaryAnn (Jon) Dean, Jerry (Kathy) Frandrup, Dallan (Gail) Frandrup, Bob (Katie Cook Fjelstad) Frandrup, Donnie (Deb Tutewohl) Frandrup, Danny (Lisa) Frandrup, and Lisa (Keith) Shonkwiler; as well as tons of nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Butch and David; granddaughter, Scarlett; nice, Amber Frandrup, and his parents.

A Mass of Resurrection will be 1 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at St. Joseph Church in Prescott with Father Redfern presiding. A visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church.

There will be a memorial pool tournament, “Cue for Cancer Singles Pool Tourney,” on December 14. Sign up begins at 10 a.m. at Broz Bar. On January 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. there will be a benefit for Gene’s family at Broz Bar. More information about both events can be found on Facebook or you can contact Boz Bar at (715) 273-5025. There is also a GoFundMe set up to help with Gene’s medical bills and final expenses. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com