Gene Edward Ollila, 69, of Sturgis, SD, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with cancer.

He was born on May 23, 1952 to Arthur and Mamie (Wood) Ollila. The family lived in Castle Rock, SD, where he attended Moreau Country School. The family moved to Newell and he attended and later graduated from Newell High School. He then enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. After he returned, he joined the National Guard, and then started a career at Ft. Meade VA Hospital as a CNA for 20+ years. He truly loved working with the veterans. Helping people was what he did and what he loved to do. He also liked photography, carpentry, food, cars, scenic drives, sunrises, and spending time with family.

Gene attended church with his sister at Crossroads Assembly of God. He also volunteered for the Honor Guard, which he enjoyed. He was thoughtful and kind, always lending a helping hand with a smile, and he loved to make others smile and laugh. He would tell jokes and try to cheer you up when you were sad. He loved the Lord and he read his Bible daily. He gave the best hugs and always saw the good in everyone.

Gene married Julie Luongo and together they had two daughters, Jenny and Gina Ollila. They later divorced, and Gene then remarried and had a boy named Ryan Ollila. He loved his children very much and they never had to question that. It was always shown through his actions and his words. On October 11, 2012, he married the love of his life, Karen Vermundson.

Gene is survived by his children, Jenny Ollila (Layth Natschke), Gina (Adrian) Adams, and Ryan Ollila; his wife, Karen Ollila; stepdaughters, Meghan and Jamie Moore; his sisters, Violet Vasknetz, Beverly (Terry) Burgess, and Linda Nible; his grandchildren, Aaron and Audra Adams, Erika, Keely, and Tadem Ollila, and Beau and Hayley Ollila; and an aunt and uncle and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie and Arthur Ollila.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Linda Grenz officiating. Committal services with military honors will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

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