Eugene C. Fleming, 96, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by his family at home.

Eugene Curtis "Gene" was born January 8, 1929, in Hill City, Minnesota to Gordon and Blanche (Wilson) Fleming. He grew up in Hill City until the age of 10 when the family moved to Grand Rapids. After high school on January 21, 1946, he entered military service in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on July 20, 1947.

Following his military service Gene returned home to Grand Rapids, and on September 7, 1952, he was united in marriage to Marjorie M. Leitch at the Grand Rapids Community Presbyterian Church. Gene and Marjorie raised their family and resided in Grand Rapids their entire married life. He was a long-time employee of Blandin Paper Company.

Gene enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer. He loved hunting and fishing (especially at "his" island in Ontario, Canada) and also enjoyed playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie; parents Gordon and Blanche Fleming; sisters Lessie (William "Bill") Brier, Joanne "Annie" (Lucian) Crow, and his granddaughter in law, Sarah A Grell.

Gene is survived by his children Gwen (Gene) Grell of Grand Rapids, MN and Stephen (Kim) Fleming of Grand Rapids, MN; Grandchildren Adrian (Christen) Grell, Jason (Robin) Grell, Gabrielle (Tim) Gropp, Gene G Grell, Grant Grell, Rachel (Brian) Enderlein; 11 great grandchildren, 2 great great  grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 PM. Chaplain Ritchie Danielson will officiate.  The rendering of Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow the service.  Interment will be in the Itasca Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN at a later date.