Eugene “Gene” Marlin Engen, 85, of Circle, MT walked through the gates of Heaven on August 17th, 2024, with his loving wife, Alice, by his side.  He was born on November 28, 1938, in Wolf Point, MT, the younger son of Glenn and Freda (Sievers) Engen.  Gene joined this family on his brother, Earlin’s 4th birthday. Glenn often told the story about how Earlin had taken him by the hand to purchase a toy rattlesnake so his baby brother could have a new “rattle”.

Gene was a family man.  He was always singing, whistling, and telling stories. He enjoyed spending time with them in the field, hunting, garden, kitchen (he made the best ribs around), or on family vacations around the state. He loved traveling – even if it was just to “take a drive” to look at the crops.

He lived in old Vida until he was 4.  He loved sharing stories of going to his grandma’s house with Earlin.   He attended school in Circle and graduated from Circle High School in 1956.  Gene had a love of the land.  The family moved to the Engen farmstead south of Vida and began farming.  The family raised winter and spring wheat, safflower, and barley. In 1954, the family owned and operated the Circle School Buses for 28 years.  He had a little wild side too as he raced snowmobiles and had several trophies to brag about.  Speaking of trophies, one didn’t want to get him started on the hunting stories….

Gene was united in marriage to Alice Willoughby on December 19, 1964.  To this union two beautiful daughters were born, Melanie (Dwayne) Jacobs of Sheridan, WY and Melissa (Curt) Knudson of Glendive, MT. Gene had two granddaughters, Meghan (Luke) Van Zyl of Grand Junction, CO and Morgan (Dylan) Marton of Gillette, WY.  One grandson Kane (Madeline Roth) Knudson of Alexandria, MN. A step-grandson, Chad Knudson and step-granddaughter, Ashley Knudson. Two great-granddaughters, Adelaide and Juliet Van Zyl and one great-granddaughter on the way, Charlie Mae Marton. Two step-great-grandchildren Finley and Garrett Fulton.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Freda Engen and his brother, Earlin Engen.

Gene and Alice were soul mates from the very beginning.  They fell in love when Alice rode Gene’s bus….scandalous!  They sang, worked, laughed, and cried together to provide the best life for their family. He was so proud of all of them. Gene was a faithful man. His favorite cake was dark chocolate with brown sugar frosting which he got at least once a year.

Gene was a proud member of the Army National Guard.  He served with his brother from 1958-1964.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, The Al Bedoo Shrine, The Scottish Rite, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He served on the McCone County Nursing Home Board, the Circle Rifle Club, and he served as a proud director for Mid-Rivers Telephone Co-op for 40 years, serving as their secretary-treasure for 38 years; and President of C&CC for two years.

He loved his family and was a true friend and helped anyone who needed it.  But through it all, he was a farmer.

A family service/sharing will be Friday, August 30th from 7:00-9:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Circle, MT.  A memorial service with full military honors will be Saturday, August 31st at 1:00 pm at First Lutheran Church in Circle, MT.