Eugene "Gene" Richard Myhre

Eugene “Gene” Richard Myhre, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Gene was born June 6, 1933, at home on the Minnesota–Iowa border, the only son among four children. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Lyle, where his lifelong faith was first nurtured.

Gene grew up working alongside his parents and sisters on a small family farm, learning early the values of hard work, humility, and responsibility. He attended Lyle High School, where he was active in football, basketball, and baseball, and graduated with the Class of 1951.

As a young man, Gene attended a Luther League meeting at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville, Iowa — a gathering that changed his life. There he met the love of his life, Audrey Bruggeman, and the two were married on September 11, 1955. Last fall, Gene and Audrey joyfully celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a milestone that reflected a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and steadfast love.

Gene and Audrey began their married life on an acreage near Toeterville. Gene worked nights at the Oliver plant in Charles City while building their small farm operation. They started with two dairy cows and a handful of sows, separating the milk and selling the cream while using the skim milk mixed with corn to feed the pigs. It was here that their two children, Kevin and Pam, were born.

In 1962, the family moved to an acreage three miles south of Lyle, where Gene expanded his dairy herd and crop farmed. He served for many years as president of the Stacyville Dairy Board, earning the respect of fellow dairy farmers for his leadership and integrity.

Gene’s hobbies reflected the simple joys he cherished: fishing, hunting, and enjoying a cold Hamm’s beer while listening to the Minnesota Twins on the radio during warm summer evenings. At age 65, Gene and Audrey purchased an acreage west of Mona, where Gene found great happiness tending his garden, raising pumpkins for his great‑grandchildren, and watching wildlife wander through the yard. It was also there that he discovered a love for woodworking, creating treasured pieces that his family will hold dear for generations.

In the fall of 2020, Gene and Audrey moved to their home in Osage, Iowa, where they continued to enjoy visits from family and friends.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey; his children Kevin (Arlene) Myhre and Pam Perkins; and his grandchildren Gina (Jeremy) Solberg, Laura (Nick) Kuennen, Heather (Tory) Rheingans, Jeff (Brittany) Myhre, and Landon (Jess) Perkins. He is also lovingly remembered by his great‑grandchildren: Mallory Rheingans, Leah Kuennen, Camryn Rheingans, Maci Myhre, Kenly Solberg, Brianna Perkins, Noah Kuennen, Logan Kuennen, Jordan Myhre, Lawson Perkins, and Lukas Perkins.

Gene is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who enriched his life and will forever cherish his memory.

Gene’s life was defined by faith, family, and the quiet strength of a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found joy in the everyday blessings of rural life. His legacy lives on in the generations who follow him, in the values he instilled, and in the memories that will forever warm the hearts of those who loved him.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minnesota. The visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at Woodbury Cemetery, Lyle, Minnesota. Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.