July 12, 1931 - March 10, 2025
Eugene “Gene” R. Lysher, 93, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Hot Springs, S.D., with his wife, Lois and daughters, Kim and Heidi by his side.
Gene was born in Duluth, Minn., 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, N.D., 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, Ariz., for 30 years, before moving to Rapid City, S.D., to be closer to family. They moved to Hot Springs in 2021.
Gene is survived by his wife, Lois Lysher; brother, LeRoy (Karyn) Lysher; sister-in-law, Carole Lysher; brother-inlaw, 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, and 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 was on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D.