Eugene C. Saarie, age 90, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Huron, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with military honors by Huron Veteran's Council with burial at St. Martin's Cemetery in Huron. Visitation with his family present will be on Monday, August 26, from 5-7 PM at Welter Funeral Home in Huron.

Eugene Calvin Saarie was born on November 11, 1928 in Hecla, South Dakota to parents Eino G. and Lillian S. (Erickson) Saarie. Gene attended Hecla High School before joining the United States Air Force on October 2, 1946 at 17 years old. Gene served for three years before his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in October 1949. Gene was deployed to Japan during his time in the Air Force, receiving the World War II Victory Medal and the Japan Occupation Ribbon.

Gene married Madelyne Corcoran on June 16, 1951 in Huron. Gene worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Energy—Western Area Power Administration. He was also a realtor in Huron. Gene was a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40 et 8, Knights of Columbus, Huron Senior Center, AARP, Elks, and NARFE. Gene was active in the American Legion as Past Commander and Adjutant of the Huron Post 7, Past State Vice Commander, State Americanism Director, Beadle County Commander, District 5 Commander and also past Chef De Gare (Commander) of the 40 et 8.

Gene and Madelyne were active members of St. Martin Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Catholic Parish.

Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; two brothers, Duane and Michael; one sister Eleanore Mortimer and two brothers-in-law, Laverne Mortimer and Gerritt Cuperus.

Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife Madelyne of Sioux Falls, daughter Catherine (Dr. Ronald) Cravens of Leawood, KS; three grandsons, Christopher (Kelly) of Arlington, VA, Scott (Kodi) of Munich, Germany, and Travis (Janine) Cravens of Wichita, KS; three great-grandchildren, Natalie, Charleigh, and William. His brother Donald (Julie) of Forest City, IA; sisters Luella (Elwood) Price of Mesquite, NV, Veronica Cuperus of Reading, MN, and Ramona (Scott) Beck of York, NE.