Eugene R. Lysher

Eugene "Gene" R. Lysher, 93, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Hot Springs, SD, with his wife Lois and daughters Kim and Heidi by his side.

Gene was born in Duluth, MN, on July 12, 1931, to Peter and Frances (Meier) Lysher.  He was the oldest of three boys.  He graduated high school in 1950, attended Superior Business College, then enlisted during the Korean War and was a Staff Sargeant with the US Army Security Agency as a code interceptor in Bamberg, Germany, in 1952.

Gene was just 16 when he met the love of his life, Lois Ruth Youngren, whom he married on December 20, 1952.  They shared 72 years together last December.  They were loving and nurturing parents to three children, Keith, Kim and Heidi.

During his work life following his service in the Army, Gene and his brother, LeRoy, owned a Phillips 66 Station in Duluth, was a Depot Agent for Northern Pacific Railroad, an Advertising Manager for Super Valu in Bismarck, ND, and Regional Sales Manager for Meyer Broadcasting Television.  He retired at the age of 54 and moved from Bismarck to Lake Sakakawea.  He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, woodworking, especially intarsia, making his yard and trees look fabulous, and spending time with his family and friends.  Gene and Lois wintered in Bullhead City, AZ, for 30 years, before moving to Rapid City, SD, to be closer to family.  They moved to Hot Springs, SD, in 2021.

Gene is survived by his wife, Lois Lysher; brother LeRoy (Karyn) Lysher, sister-in-law Carole Lysher; brother-in-law Ronnie Youngren; son Keith Lysher; daughter Kim (Dan) Jirsa; daughter Heidi (Steve) Porter; grandchildren Andrew Lysher, Katie (Leo) Lovan, Brooke (Alex Uiberreiter) Thoemke, Jade (Nicholas) Seiler, Cole Porter, Jake (Alexis Wendling) Porter, and step-granddaughter Alyssa Jirsa, two great-grandchildren, Malaki Lysher and Lois Lovan, bonus great-grandchildren Eli, Ember and Amara Claussen, and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brother Melvin Lysher, in-laws Avald and Clara Youngren, brother and sister-in-law Russell and Jeanet Howard; sister-in-law Kathy Youngren, nephew John Lysher, great-nephew Jasper Youngren, and great-niece Ava Howard.

Visitation will be at 9 am, with service at 10 am MT on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Chamberlain-McColley's Funeral Home (401 N Garden St., Hot Springs, SD).  His burial will  take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD, at 2:30 pm MT.