Eugene "Gene" A. Blaker, 85, of Owatonna, died Thursday, December 10, 2020, at the Emeralds of Faribault. He was born December 9, 1935, in Owatonna the son of Frank and Myrtle (Jensen) Blaker. Eugene graduated from Owatonna High School. He entered into the United States Army and was honorably discharged. On April 9, 1961, he married Shirley A. Velske in Faribault. Eugene worked for Marigold Dairy in Rochester and Schwan's in Owatonna, before moving to the Tampa/Clearwater Florida area in 1988. In Florida, Eugene and Shirley managed apartments for the retired. They enjoyed traveling, their favorite spots included Florida and Hawaii. The couple returned home in June 2001 and Shirley died on August 30, 2001. He was an avid collector and enjoyed going to antique stores especially Uncle Tom's Antique Store where he worked part time. Eugene attended many garage sales and estate sales finding many items to add to his collection. He loved all cars, particularly his 1985 El Camino. Eugene is survived by his son, Chris Blaker of Owatonna; grandchildren, Natalie Blaker, Samantha Reynolds, Zachary Reynolds, Erica (Luke Fisher) Radel and Brooke (Ali) Radel; great-grandson, Lucas Fisher; brother, Allan Blaker of TX; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Blaker; son, Douglas Blaker; and daughter, Angela Reynolds. Visitation will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral service will be held December 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church with The Reverend Kirk Griebel officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna with military honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to Brighton Hospice or Redeemer Lutheran Church.