Eugene Puttonen

Eugene LeRoy Puttonen, age 75, passed away on March 21, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

Eugene was born on May 12, 1950, to the late Elmer John Puttonen and Irene Beverly (Hanninen) Puttonen at their farmhouse in Sebeka, Minnesota, during a spring snowstorm. In a memorable beginning to his life, neighbors Everett and Mitzi came to assist, with Mitzi helping deliver him. He was later baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Sebeka.

He attended Sebeka High School, graduating with the Class of 1968 and continued his education at a community college, where he studied husbandry for two years. Eugene was blessed with a son, Chad.

On November 18, 1978, Eugene was united in marriage to Vickie J. Lombardo at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Throughout his life, Eugene worked in a variety of fields. He contributed to the construction of the IDS Building in Minneapolis, worked at Electric Machinery in Minneapolis, spent time as an ironworker in Hibbing, Minnesota, and later worked at Homecrest in Wadena, Minnesota, for eight years.

Eugene was a man of many talents and simple joys. He had a gift for woodworking and took pride in creating thoughtful, handmade pieces for family and friends. In the kitchen, he was known for his delicious chili, ham and potato soup, chocolate cake, and lemon bars. He enjoyed a good pepperoni pizza, Rudolfs BBQ, and Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

He found joy in life’s everyday pleasures—talking on the phone with loved ones, sharing stories, and offering his signature “lip service.” He loved his pets, Lucky Dog, Little Girl, and Ragga Muffin, who were dear companions throughout his life.

In his younger years, Eugene enjoyed hosting friends for games of pool. He also liked playing backgammon, cribbage, and dominoes. He had a knack for finding treasures at garage sales and flea markets, and he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and local casinos. Eugene enjoyed camping with his brother David and family. He was a fan of lottery tickets, concerts, and good music, especially artists like Bob Seger, Waylon Jennings, George Thorogood, and The Moody Blues. Eugene also had a fondness for Fanta orange soda, Cheetos, and madeleines cookies with coffee.

Eugene had a wonderful singing voice and was a gifted storyteller, leaving lasting memories with all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vickie; his son, Chad of Norway, Michigan; and his grandchildren, Willow and Derek. He is also survived by his siblings, Ella Kuha and David (Rhonda) Puttonen; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Puttonen and Georgianne Hall; brother-in-law, Mark Fjeld; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins; and his lifelong friends, Duane Currie of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ron Peterson of North Port, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Irene; his brothers, Kenneth, Donald, and Dean; and his sisters, LaVerna Ohlgren and Donna Sarbaum.

Eugene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His stories, laughter, and the warmth he shared with others will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

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