Gene Vinkemeier of Richmond, formerly of South Haven, died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, at St. Cloud Hospital. He was 59. 
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fairhaven with Rev. Peter Preus officiating. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Clearwater. Visitation will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Gene Henry Vinkemeier was born Oct. 28, 1959, in Shakopee to Edward and Lorraine (Thaemert) Vinkemeier. Gene lived in Norwood Young America until his family moved to Annandale in the late 1960s. Gene attended and graduated from Annandale High School in 1978. After graduation, Gene worked as a painter before beginning his employment at Olson Farms in South Haven where he worked 20+ years. In July 1982, he was united in marriage with Juliet Nelson in Annandale.
Gene loved being on or near the water, spending a lot of time on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes either boating or fishing. He had a magnetic personality that drew people to him. Gene was always playing a joke on someone, making someone laugh, or sharing treats like jerky or donuts with people he cared about. He generously gave away items, whether you wanted it or needed it. He also was a good cook, with lasagna as one of his specialties. Above all, Gene cherished the time he was able to spend with his daughters and grandsons.
Gene was preceded in death by his daughter Holly, parents Edward and Lorraine, and brother Gary.
He is survived by his daughters Jessi (and landon) Lipponen of Annandale, Kristi Vinkemeier (and significant other Jon Kregel) of Zimmerman, and Carrie Vinkemeier (and significant other Josh Snyder) of Aspen, Colo.; three adoring grandsons Charles, William and Samuel; siblings Harlan (and Nena) Vinkemeier of Norwood Young America, Edward (and Kathryn) Vinkemeier of Annandale, and Dean (and Pat) Vinkemeier of South Haven; sister-in-law Colleen Vinkemeier of Annandale; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Memorials are preferred. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.