Gene Alwin, 87, of Sisseton, died Sat., March 17 at Coteau DES Prairie Hospital, Sisseton.

Military Rites will be conducted by Otto-Quando-Renville American Legion Post #50 Sisseton.

Gene was born in Webster, SD on September 26, 1930 to John and Mildred (Nold) Alwin.

He attended, and graduated from, Webster High School.  Gene was an all-around athlete with his major sports being baseball, football, and basketball.  He and his Webster Bearcat teammates were inducted into the SD High School Basketball Hall of Fame.  He graduated from Northern State College with his Master's in Education.

Gene served his country through the United States National Guard Army.  He was stationed in Alaska as a member of the Heavy Tank Co – 196 Infantry.  He was honorably discharged in 1952.

On May 19, 1956 he married Elaine Gieser.  They lived and worked in Claremont, SD and Alberta, MN before moving to Sisseton.  Gene taught and coached in the Sisseton School District until his retirement.  He was also a well-known referee for many SD high school sporting events.

He continued living in Sisseton until his passing.

Gene enjoyed spending summers at their lake home on Enemy Swim Lake.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He passed on his love of the outdoors to family and friends. Gene cherished all of his hunting dogs over the years.

Gene enjoyed playing cards and reminiscing about the past.

Grateful for having shared his life is one son, Todd (Kathy) of Sioux Falls, SD; one daughter, Tami (Glenn) Hanson of Watertown, SD; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren;  two half-brothers, Doug (Cindy) Alwin and David Alwin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Coester Funeral Home, Webster.

www.coesterfuneralhome.net