Eugene Gene Weisbeck

Eugene Weisbeck, 91, Bismarck, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2014, in the comfort of his home with his loving wife, Lillian, and family by his side. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Church of Ascension, 1911 S 3rd Street, Bismarck, with the Rev. Msgr. Jim Braaten as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday. Gene was born August 17, 1922, on the family farm six miles northeast of Hague, ND. He was the youngest son of John and Katherine Geffre Weisbeck. On April 8, 1947, Gene married Lillian Schmaltz at St. Aloysius Catholic Church near Hague. They farmed in the Hague area until his retirement in 1978, at which time they moved to Bismarck. For over 60 years, Gene's love of music has brought joy and entertainment to thousands of people, from barn and house dances, to wedding dances and anniversary celebrations. In 1975, he was selected to represent the Germans from Russia at the National Folkfest at the Smithsonian Institute Music Festival in Washington, D.C. In 1978, he represented the United States at the International Polkafest in Kilzbuhel, Austria. In 1999, Gene was inducted into the Dakota Musicians Association Hall of Fame. Gene also enjoyed watching baseball, playing cards, bowling and playing horseshoes. In 2000, he participated in the World Horseshoe Tournament in Bismarck. He was a lifetime member 66 years of the Hague Knights of Columbus, and the North Dakota Musicians Union and a 33-year member of the Bismarck Eagles. Gene is survived by his wife, Lillian; six children, Dan, Jamestown, Terry Della, Sun Lakes, AZ, Tim Deborah, Sacramento, CA, Chuck, Oakland, IA, Julie Larry Schindler, Mandan and Allen Nancy, Bismarck; one sister Gertie Johnson, Seattle, WA; eight grandchildren, Taylor, Omaha, NE, Macy, Fargo, Laine Mallory, Omaha, NE, Daniel, Jamestown, Waylen, Santa Cruz, CA, Michael fiancée Brianna, Bismarck, Adam, Syracuse, NY, Benjamin, Bismarck; and six great-grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Matt, Sebastian, and Peter; four sisters, Sr. Benigna Helen, Sr. Armella Margaret, Loretta Turner and Mary Kocher; and one daughter-in-law, Inez Weisbeck.

Eugene Gene Weisbeck

August 17, 1922 - May 4, 2014