Eugene Sand

Eugene “Gene” H. Sand, age 92 of Redwood Falls, MN, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at River Valley Health and Rehabilitation in Redwood Falls. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls, with burial to follow in the Redwood Falls Cemetery, with full Military Honors. A visitation will be held 2 hours prior to his service from 11 until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to a preferred charity of your choice.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Services of Redwood Falls and Morgan are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Eugene Harold Sand, son of Theodore and Georgia (Hennings) Sand was born on July 28, 1933, in Cloquet, Minnesota. Eugene's journey began in a simpler time and followed a path filled with hard work, service, and dedication to family.

In 1943, the Sand family relocated to Detroit, Michigan, in search of better employment opportunities. Eugene's father secured a job at Continental Motors, where he produced engines for warplanes during World War II. Young Eugene helped support the family by delivering newspapers for the Detroit Times. As the war came to an end, the family moved once again, this time to Utah, where Eugene continued his education and graduated from American Fork High School in 1952.

After high school, Eugene moved to Little Falls, Minnesota, to be closer to his grandparents. He served in the National Guard at Camp Ripley and worked at various body shops. It was in Little Falls that he met Roseann Doroff, with whom he married in 1955. Together, they welcomed five children before their marriage ended in divorce. Following this chapter, Eugene found love again with Marlene Boehne, and they were married on February 20, 1971. Together, they created a life in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, where they enjoyed 42 cherished years of partnership.

Eugene earned a reputation for his craftsmanship and hard work, beginning his career at Scott Preusse body shop before transitioning to a successful stint as a salesman. He later opened Gene's Coins, which he operated for three years, before dedicating 18 years of service at Schult Homes until his retirement at the age of 68.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Eugene led a fulfilling life outside of work. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and actively participated in various organizations including the Lions Club, ARC Southwest, the Republican Party, and Western Community Action. He harbored a passion for bowling, fishing, and traveling, as well as a keen interest in buying and selling coins.

Eugene is survived by his 8 children: Debra (Tom) Toohey of Coon Rapids, Jill (Joe) Berglove of Ham Lake, Beth (Tim) Barten of Waconia, Faye Richardson of Rogers, Thomas Sand of Elk River, Vickie (Jon) Thompson of Pelican Rapids, Alan (Mona) Boehne of Detroit Lakes, and Linda (Fred) Eichmiller of Mosinee, Wisconsin. He leaves behind a legacy of love, supported by 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren who will carry forth the lessons and memories he instilled in them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Georgia Sand; wife, Marlene Sand in 2013; sister, Jeanette (Sand) Knuteson and special granddaughter, Melissa Boehne. Eugene's warm spirit and commitment to family and community will be long remembered, and he will be deeply missed.