Eugene Floyd Briggs

Gene Briggs of Byron, MN, passed away at home of pancreatic cancer on July 30th, 2026, ten days after his 85th birthday.

Gene was born in Brainerd, MN, July 20th, 1941, to Floyd and Lola (Brostrom) Briggs. He married Wilma (Westlund) on May 28, 1963 at First Covenant Church in St Paul, MN. They raised their family in Coon Rapids, MN.

For many years Gene worked for FMC as a machinist and NC Programmer. In early retirement he earned his LPN license and cared for medically fragile children until his wife retired in 2004. They then moved to Byron, MN.

They enjoyed traveling, camping, and time spent at their cabin in northern Minnesota. Gene was a long time volunteer at Oxbow Park and enjoyed woodcarving with the Rochester Woodcarver Club, serving as president for 4 years.

Gene is survived by Wilma, his wife of 63 years, his son Steve Briggs, MD (Erika) of Fargo, ND and Diane Winkel (Daniel) of Rochester, MN, and five grandchildren:

Emma and Abigail Briggs, Noah, Caleb, and Christian Winkel, and Goddaughter Nancy (Nouis) Gilbert of Goodyear, AZ. He is also survived by one brother, Gary, of Grand Rapids, MN, several nieces and nephews, and sisters in law. He was preceded in death by his sister Sandra Kraft, youngest brother David, and by his parents.

Memorial funeral service will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2026, at 11 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd AV SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior with a lunch served following the service.

Thank you to the oncology staff at Mayo Clinic, to the staff of Seasons Hospice and Visiting Angels, and for the prayers and support of family and friends.

Philippians 4:4-9 "Rejoice in the Lord!"