It is with great bereavement that we announce the passing of our beloved Gene on May 10, 2024. There are no words to describe the true impact a person can have on your life and the life of others. His place can never be filled in our lives.  We send him softly off with full hearts for having known him.

Gene P. Walker was born in Pierre, SD on December 19, 1950, he grew up in Sioux Falls, SD with his father, Henry Lentsch, mother, Dorothy Sandstrom, brothers, Benny (Karen) and Brian (Denise) (all who have proceeded him in death) and one sister, Shirley (Van) of Rapid City, SD.

He married the love of his life (and hers), Frances (Scovill) in San Marcos, TX on July 28th, 1972. They were blessed with five wonderful children. The OG children, Shannon Walker, Jessica Stults and son, Justin (Brigett) Walker.

Then came two others to the household and were entreated as daughters, Gwyneth (Eirik) Anderson and Grace Walker. Grandchildren include Chase (Makaley) Walker, Rowan Andersen, and Fiona Stults, Topher McCallum and Mac McCallum.

And the love of our life, the sparkling Lillian Jean Anderson, great-granddaughter.

Gene served in the US Army, in Germany and then Vietnam (1970-1971). He was part of the CO B 815th Engr Br serving as water purification specialist. He made clean water for drinking and bathing out of jungle rivers.

Gene was a philosopher, song writer, poet, musician, writer, singer and orator.  There wasn't anything he couldn't fix or build. He worked as a Design Engineer at Sioux Falls Structures for decades until his health prevented it. He received a liver transplant from his brother Brian on August 25, 2003 and was one of the longest living donor transplant survivors.

A Celebration of Life event will be held, Friday, May 17th, 2024, at the Farm. 46634 233rd Street, Wentworth, SD beginning at 3:00 pm.  Please dress for the occasion; we will be outside.