Eugene “Gene” Steven Kotula, age 89, of Clarissa passed away at the CentraCare Health System on January 21, 2012.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on  Friday, January 27, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville with Fr. Peter VanderWeyst officiating.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., at the Iten Funeral Home in Browerville and on the day of the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be held at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery, Browerville.  

Gene was born December 12, 1922 to Thomas and Frances (John) Kotula in Todd County, MN.

Gene was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Browerville.  He graduated from Clarissa High School.  After graduating he lived on the family homestead where he farmed for many years; he served on the Browerville Creamery Board and was Iona Township Treasurer for 50 years.  In 1946 Gene was united in marriage with Audrey Smith and they were blessed with five (5) children.  Gene worked at 3M in Alexandria for 20 years before retiring; during that time he and Audrey also owned and operated the Timberlane Resort on Lake Ida for seven (7) years.   Gene enjoyed hunting; Gene and Audrey enjoyed couples league bowling, traveling and playing cards.  Gene remained on the family farm until he moved to the Long Prairie Nursing Home.  He especially enjoyed entertaining children, and spending time with family and reading. 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Sandra (Dennis) Reed, sisters Mary Rodriguez, Sister Doris (Caroline), Genevieve Pieroni, Hattie Irsfeld, Pat Dropping and Agnes Kotula , brothers Robert, Lawrence and Ed.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Audrey, children Sharyn (Roger) Busswitz, Avoca, MN, Gene (Judy) Kotula, Stayton, OR,  Donavon (Catherine) Kotula, Apple Valley, MN, and Richard (Amy) Kotula, Maple Grove, MN., 8 grandchildren, Todd (Elaine) and Tracy (Rhonda) Busswitz,  Erin (Justin) and Brent (Amy) Kotula, Jeremy (Angie) Reed, Nicole (Lance) Gilson, Kyle Reed and Jayme Reed, 8 Great- grandchildren, Coty and Amanda Busswitz, Hailey and Grayson Busswitz, Sam Kotula, Brady and Lydia Reed, Harmony Gilson, sisters Cecilia Eldred and Shirley McAnaney, and brothers Frank, Vern and Tom Kotula, along with many other relatives and friends.