Eugene Joseph Gregor

Eugene Joseph Gregor, 93, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021, in Hudson, WI. He was born on September 30, 1928, in River Falls, WI to Joseph and Eva (O’Connor) Gregor.

Eugene graduated from River Falls High School in 1946 and attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls before joining the Army in 1951. Sgt. Gregor was a tank commander in the Korean War. He earned the Bronze star and Battle Star for his bravery and heroism while leading his troops through a widely publicized 15 hour battle. After his discharge from the army, he continued to be active in the American Legion, participating in the Honor Guard for many years.

Eugene was a member of St Bridget’s Church in River Falls, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and served as President of St Bridget’s Home and School Association.

Eugene served the city of River Falls as an alderman on the city council and was a member of the City Utility Commission for 30 years.

Hobbies in his young adult life included playing softball in River Falls for Emma’s. He also played in the Drum and Bugle Corps.

He married the love of his life Betty Ann Arneson on June 6, 1951. They were blessed with 4 children; Susan, Jim, Lori and Dan.

Eugene owned Red Wing Dry Cleaners and Laundry in Red Wing, MN and River Falls, WI. He was active in the Minnesota Dry Cleaning Association, where he also served a term as President.

Eugene and Betty enjoyed travel, taking many trips over the years to destinations all around the world.

After retirement Eugene and Betty moved to Long Lake in Centuria, WI, where he enjoyed his cabin, boating, fishing, and entertaining friends and family. He was an active member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, WI. He and Betty spent their winters in Brownsville, TX for 17 years. They enjoyed being “Winter Texans” and made many friends there.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty Ann, Hudson, WI; children, Susie (Dan) Goodier, Hudson, WI, Jim (Cindy) Gregor, River Falls, WI, Lori (John) Suzukida, Shoreview, MN, and Dan (Jenelle) Gregor, River Falls, WI; grandchildren, Joe (Sarah) Hansen, Jenna (Ben) Smith, Alicia (Jessy) Rivard, Jill (Patrick) Suzukida-Manning, Greg (Nicole) Suzukida, Matt (Lauren) Suzukida, Joe Gregor, Samantha Gregor, and Elsa (Clinton) Steinmetz; great-grandchildren, Laura, Max, and Evy Hansen, Grace Smith, Madelyn and Landon Rivard, Clare and Emma Manning, Kayo Suzukida; and many other loving family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, WI at 11:00 A.M. with a visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. He will be laid to rest on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home, Centuria, WI has been entrusted with arrangements.