Eugene "Gene" Otto Zeise, 87, of Owatonna, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his home after a year long battle with cancer.

He was born on October 20, 1938, in Owatonna, to Ernest and Amelia (Brockmiller) Zeise. Gene was united in marriage to Judy Baumgartner on March 7, 1959, in Owatonna. He was a self-employed plastering contractor after graduating from Owatonna High School in 1957. He and Judy were blessed with five children together.

Gene was a young-spirited and loving person, enjoying many hobbies throughout his life. He loved the outdoors, often partaking in softball, horseshoes, golf, fishing, and hunting. He was also a cook, loving to prepare game, smoking turkeys, ribs, salmon, and specialized in making the best deer sausage. Another passion of his being gardening, he looked forward to his harvest every year, canning salsa and tomato juice.

He valued family, often taking all his children on fishing trips to Canada and making memories with them. Gene loved watching his kids and grandchildren participate in sporting events, as well as watching all Minnesota sports teams, being an avid fan.

Gene retired in 2001 and built his and Judy's retirement home with their sons. During retirement, he enjoyed going to Mille Lacs Lake to his icehouse for fishing in the winter.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of Owatonna; children, Dora (Mike) Skalisky of Owatonna, Robert Zeise of Owatonna, Craig Zeise of Owatonna, Eric Zeise of Owatonna, and Jodi (Chris) Forde of Boise, ID; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Janet (Maynard) Blume; brothers, Alvin (Jean) Olson, and Ernest (Pat) Zeise.

A visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3PM to 5PM at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Steele County Humane Society.