Obituary of Eugene Sellstrom

EUGENE "GENE" C. SELLSTROM STERLING - Eugene "Gene" C. Sellstrom, 88, died Monday, February 1, 2010 at Coventry Living Center. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 32 years. Gene was born June 27, 1921 in Fort Dodge, IA, the son of John and Minnie (Dyke) Sellstrom. He married Joyce Svedstrom on August 14, 1955 in Princeton. She preceded him in death on December 1, 1996. Gene was originally from Princeton and worked for the Supreme Ice Cream Plant in his younger years. He attended Augustana College until he was drafted by the Army in 1942. He served in France, and Germany, as a member of the third Army under General Patton. He was a member of the American Legion post #296, and participated in the Honor Flight on November 10, 2009. Gene was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church for over 50 years and a member of the choir. He volunteered as a bell ringer for Salvation Army and was former president of the Golden K's Kiwanis Club. Gene also volunteered at Good Neighbor Care of Sterling. He was cherished and loved by those who knew him. Survivors include two daughters, Janel (Ken) Karlix, of Olathe, KS, and Carol (Bill) Alber, of Sterling; and five grandchildren, Dillon, Kiersten and Troy Karlix and Ashlee and Shannon Alber; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Maurice, in infancy. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Reverend Judith Huseth, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight or St. Paul Lutheran Church.