Gene Clement

Gene Leslie Clement passed away on April 23, 2024.

Gene was born on March 4, 1948 to parents Leslie and Stella Clement. Gene spent his life living in Rochester and West Concord, Minnesota.

Gene worked his last 24 years for Braun Sod Farm. Gene said he loved the family he had there: "You couldn't find a better place to work, or any better people to work with."

Gene had over 3 million miles behind the wheel of a semi-truck throughout his life. He started driving semi in 1987 and drove until April 17, 2024. The only states did not drive in were Utah, Maine, Washington, and Oregon.

Gene was also a veteran. He was a part of the 82 Airborne at Fort Brag, NE. Gene was stationed in Germany and Vietnam for periods of time.

Gene loved jumping out of planes and helicopters. He enjoyed parachuting to the ground, saying it was "peaceful and quiet." He also enjoyed his status as a sharp-shooter.

Gene was a quiet man. He spent six days a week driving semi, and his day off playing solitaire at home.

Gene also shared how proud he was of his three boys and his grandchildren. Gene wanted to ensure his family knew how much they meant to him. He was content with his life and had no regrets. When asked if he had any advice to give, he said: "Live life to the fullest, always."

Gene is preceded in death by parents Leslie and Stella Clement; brothers Mylon and Orville; nephew Danny and grandson Dalton.

Gene is survived by brothers Jerry (Jeanne) Clement and David Clement, sister Dixie (Gerald) Luttchens.

A Funeral Service for Gene will be held at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes at 11 A.M. on Monday, April 29, 2024. A Visitation will begin one hour before the service. Gene will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery immediately following the service.