Gene Gunsalus

Gene was born October 20, 1944 in Pierre to parents Charles and Virley. He had two siblings, Jerry and Joanne. He graduated from Murdo High school and spent the summer working as a seasonal employee for the SD DOT-Engineering, where he ended up working for most of his career. He attended college that fall at USD in Vermillion, then went to work for Jerry Miller Construction in Murdo, S.D. During that time, he started dating the love of his life and future bride, Chyrll. Chyrll was visiting relatives in Murdo when they first met. They later moved to Denver and were married in 1964. Their early married years were spent  in Murdo, where Gene worked for the SD DOT before moving to Fort Pierre and finally Rapid City. They chose to live in South Dakota because they had family and good friends to enjoy hunting and fishing with. They had two sons, Wade and Brandon, and shared their love of motorcycling and gun collecting with them.

Gene liked exploring the Black Hills by motorcycle, Jeep, and four wheeler. He loved vehicles and kept track of each one they owned. Every vehicle purchased by the Gunsalus family was celebrated with a garage party. Gene attended the Sturgis Rally for 40 years. He was an amazing motorcycle tour guide, especially when you could keep up with him.

Gene worked for the SD DOT for 44 years, retiring in 2010. He spent most of his career inspecting, repairing and maintaining bridges as the Regional Bridge Engineering Specialist. He met lifelong friends through his work.

Gene was a devoted dog owner and found joy in caring for them. Anyone who knew Gene knew how much he loved his dogs, his morning workout routine, and new adventures. We have good memories of snowmobiling, boating, and four wheeling. We will miss cruising through Bear Country with him, sharing his favorite pie, and his handyman knowledge. We will especially miss all the stories around the kitchen table, and happy hour on the back deck. Gene will be missed by many and forever loved by his family.

Gene is survived by his son, Wade (Sheri), grandchildren Chelsea (Justin) Muir, Rusty (Shannon) Maxon, Ryan (Brandi) Maxon and great grandchildren Blair, Miles, Cohen, Athena, and Haven; son, Brandon (Dawn) , grandchildren Lindsay (Dan) Weber, Alison (Chris) Willers, Tyler Brands, Katie (Mark) Van Aartsen and great grandchildren, Reagan, Nolan, Reece, Clyde, Jayce, Carter, Aiden and Alaina; sister, Joanne Haugland and her children, Mark, Mason, Lori and their families; sister in law Colleen Norman and her son, Donny and his family; friend, Karen Harris and her family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Chyrll; his brother Jerry; and his brother in law, Bud.

Services were set up for 2 pm Friday, October 10 at the funeral home, with Pastor Brent Woodard officiating.

A reception followed at the funeral home, and then interment at Mountain View Cemetery.