Eugene C. “Gene” Sellstrom

STERLING – Eugene C. “Gene” Sellstrom, 88, of Sterling, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Coventry Living Center, Sterling. He was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad for 32 years.

Gene was born June 27, 1921, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of John and Minnie (Dyke) Sellstrom. He married Joyce Svedstrom on Aug. 14, 1955, in Princeton. She preceded him in death on Dec. 1, 1996.

Gene was originally from Princeton, and was employed by Supreme Ice Cream Plant in his younger years. He attended Augustana College until he was drafted by the Army in 1942. He served in France and Germany, as a member of the Third Army under Gen. George S. Patton. He was a member of American Legion Post 296, Sterling, and participated in the Honor Flight on Nov. 10, 2009.

Gene was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, for more than 50 years, and a member of the choir. He volunteered as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army, and was a former president of Golden K Kiwanis Club, Sterling. Gene volunteered at Good Neighbor Care of Sterling.

He was cherished and loved by those who knew him.

Survivors include two daughters, Janel (Ken) Karlix, of Olathe, Kan., and Carol (Bill) Alber of Sterling; five grandchildren, Dillon, Kiersten, and Troy Karlix, and Ashlee and Shannon Alber; and several nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by one brother, Maurice in infancy.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Judith Huseth, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Honor Flight Program or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling.

Visit www.schillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.