Eugene "Gene" Schlaak

Eugene “Gene” Donald Schlaak, lovingly known as Bumpa, passed away on September 16, 2019, in his home surrounded by his family under the care of St. Croix Hospice. He was 67 years old. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartland, MN. The Reverend Shawn Stafford will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date in Alma City Cemetery, Alma City, MN.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2019, at Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland, MN and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Gene was born on August 30, 1952, to Lester and Alice Schlaak in Waseca, MN. He graduated from New Richland-Hartland High School in 1970 and went on to Jackson Votech. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Maryann (Norman) Schlaak on October 2, 1976.

Gene made his career in sales and agriculture, spending many hours cracking jokes at the “corn palace”. Gene and Maryann had a stint in “nonprofits”, as Gene would say, as owners and operators of Family Affair Drive-in restaurant in New Richland. He enjoyed playing games, creating hats, and woodworking. He carefully pondered his many projects. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids. Bumpa’s jokes, laugh and warm embraces will be greatly missed.

Gene is survived by his wife, Maryann; his four children: Amanda Indra and husband, Casey, and their children: Malia and Lauren; Bennett Schlaak and wife, Erin, and their children: Brady, Carter, Madeline, and Ella; Emily Drinkwitz and husband, Ryan, and their children: Mikayla, Joey, Lily, Sophia; and their granddaughter, Ivy Rose; and Alex Schlaak and wife, Michelle, and their children: Ava, Kason, and Jameson. Gene is also survived by his siblings: David (Loretta) Schlaak, Barb (Gary) Paulson, and in-laws: Kathy Berg, Judy Low, and Kevin Linbo; and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Alice Lee Schlaak; his parents, Lester and Alice; his mother and father-in-law, George and Irene Norman; and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Stan Berg, Georgena Linbo, and Roy and Delores Dyke.