Service Information
Gene R. Mackenthun, age 89, of Plato, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 A.M., at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, with interment at a later date in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 P.M., at the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel in Glencoe, and will continue Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by the Glencoe Military Honor Guard.
Obituary
Gene Ralph Mackenthun was born on April 22, 1936, at home in Young America Township, Carver County, Minnesota. He was the son of Edward D. and Annie W. (Oelfke) Mackenthun. Gene was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 2, 1950, by Rev. Louis T. Wohlfeil at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota. Gene received his education in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, through the 8th Grade.
On November 16, 1959, Gene enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. During his service, he earned the Marksman Medal (Rifle) and was honorably discharged on September 19, 1960.
On June 26, 1965, Gene was united in marriage to Sharon Hilda Graupmann at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Plato, Minnesota. They made their family home in Plato. Gene and Sharon were blessed with two children, Todd and Darcy. The couple shared over 60 years of marriage.
Gene grew up on a farm near Hamburg, where he helped his father and siblings with the work. He later became a stainless-steel welder and worked at Bongards Creamery in Bongards, Minnesota, and went on to work at Sterner Industries in Winsted, Minnesota. Gene was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato. He was also an active member of the Edward Born American Legion Post # 343 in Norwood Young America, Minnesota.
Gene found joy in many of life’s everyday moments, including fishing, playing cards, and listening to old-time music. Gene also loved cooking – especially making soup – along with doing puzzles, dining out at restaurants, and traveling with Sharon.
Gene passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, at the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 20 days. Blessed be his memory.
Gene is survived by his
wife, Sharon Mackenthun of Glencoe, MN;
children, Todd Mackenthun (fiancé, Kiley Hayes) of Buffalo, MN, and Darcy Horn (Daniel) of Ham Lake, MN;
grandchildren, Erin Naylor (Dana), Madeline Burch (Kyle), Amanda Horn, Abigail Mackenthun, Laura Mackenthun, Meredith Horn (fiancé, Logan Wehner);
great-grandchildren, Gavin Naylor, Rhett Naylor, and Beckett Naylor;
sister-in-law, Marilyn Mackenthun of Glencoe, MN;
nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edward and Annie Mackenthun; Siblings, Clem Mackenthun (Laverna), Hillard Mackenthun (Marlys), Harvey Mackenthun (Elvera), Leona Bruers (Clarence), Roma Wolter (Hilton), Weldon Mackenthun (Lilah), and Kenneth Mackenthun; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law.
MaryAnn Thalmann says
Todd and Darcy and families,
You have my deepest sympathy in the death of your Dad. I was privileged to cut his hair for a number of years, and always enjoyed visiting with him. He and your Mom had such a nice relationship! May your Dad rest now, in eternal peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann
Dave Klobe says
Sharon, Todd, Darcy, and families;
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Gene. It is never easy losing a family member and too soon at that. Those who pass away live on through the stories and memories of family and friends. Rest in Peace.
Dave Klobe
Patrice says
Darcy and family, I just heard of your dad’s passing and I am so very sorry. Sending you loads of love and peace as you continue to navigate this difficult time.