Gene Lysaker

Gene Lysaker, 86, Twin Valley, MN died Saturday, May 5th, 2012, at Sanford Heath Care, Fargo, ND. Gene C. Lysaker was born May 15, 1925, the son of George and Clara (Nelson) Lysaker in Twin Valley. Gene was baptized and confirmed his faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, where he was a lifelong member. Gene grew up in Twin Valley, attending Twin Valley High School, graduating with the class of 1943. While in high school, Gene was involved in many sports, but he especially excelled in basketball which he played varsity all four years. In 1943, during World War II, Gene entered the United States Army serving as a gunner on a B-24 aircraft in the Pacific Theater. After his honorable discharge in 1945, Gene entered the Minneapolis School of Art. After receiving a four year degree, Gene worked for several companies in Kansas City, MO and Willmar, MN, before joining the Grand Rapids Herald Review in Grand Rapids, MN as an advertising artist, where he was employed for 25 years. During his employment there, Gene’s passion for drawing and painting included a four part series of loon works for the annual report of the Blandin Paper Company of Grand Rapids, among numerous other projects. After leaving there, Gene decided he wanted to devote more time to painting which he hadn’t had time for, so he returned to his hometown of Twin Valley. It was here that he would have control over both his hours and his projects. This gave him the opportunity to travel to Zihuatanejo, Mexico and spend 25 winters where he lived with the local people. After his retirement in the early 1980’s, as a private artist, Gene continued to expand his interest in artwork to include work with Ducks Unlimited, Boy Scouts and was commissioned by Como Park Zoo and Minnesota Zoo to do special artwork. Gene was very well known for his wildlife artwork including his Many Point Loon, which former President Gerald Ford has the original. He loved doing his Americana Series, featuring the community he grew up in. Other artwork that he was known for was his realistic scenes of Mexico, the southwest United States landscapes and the native people living there. Gene had done advertising artwork for Miller High Life Beer Company and other fortune 500 companies. Over the years, Gene had authored, done illustrations for and published several children’s books. While living in Grand Rapids, Gene was very active in that community. After moving back to Twin Valley, he was involved in Zion Lutheran Church and was a member of the American Legion. Over the years he did art judging, taught local art classes and spent time exhibiting his artwork at many shows and exhibits statewide. In 2005, he was awarded the Northwest Minnesota Artist of the year award. Gene was instrumental to the existence of the Twin Valley Heritage Center, not only financially, but he volunteered countless hours there. He was well known for his generosity throughout the communities he lived in. Gene will always be remembered for his gift of being an artist as he shared his talent in many capacities locally and nationwide. Gene is survived by a sister, Phyllis (Wilmar) Grabow of Hawley, MN; three nieces, Lysa (Eric) Swanson, Susan (Jeff) Rockwell and Sarah (Roy) Kieffer; four great-nieces, Alyssa Rockwell, Sarah Anne Swanson, Lauren Rockwell and Elizabeth Kieffer and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services were held Saturday, May 12, at 2:00pm in the Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation was Friday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Officiating was Pastor Don Walker and a special message by Rev. David Lysaker. Alden Anderson served as organist with Terri Dahlen serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Jeff Rockwell, Roy Kieffer, Eric Swanson, Dennis Thorson, Charles Nelson and Jim Hann. Military honors were provided by the Nesseth-Lien Post #431 of the American Legion and the MN ARNG Honor Guard. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.

Gene Lysaker

May 15, 1925 - May 5, 2012