Gene Edward Rosenthal

GENE EDWARD ROSENTHAL, age 84, died at Whispering Creek in Janesville, Minnesota on September 3rd, 2023. 

Gene was born to Edward O. and Esther A. (Priebe) Rosenthal on April 26, 1939 in Waseca, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Waseca High School with the class of 1957. He participated in many school activities, but especially enjoyed playing on the championship football team. After high school, Gene attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Mathematics with distinction degree. He continued with graduate work in Physics at the University of Minnesota, but did not complete a degree. (He would much later earn an MBA from Mankato State University in 1991.)

On September 3rd, 1960, Gene married Kathleen Ann Wright. In 1962, while continuing his graduate work, an opportunity to join the family farm operation arose, and the couple returned to Waseca County. Gene’s heart was always in the rolling hills of Iosco township, and he and Kathy spent their working lives as partners in farming. Always an early adopter of the latest technologies, Gene was voted Waseca County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1980 for his efforts in soil conservation. He was also given recognition by the River-Friendly Farmer program. Gene always maintained that good soil conservation practices made good economic sense.  He loved the many dogs that were a part of the family over the years and cheering for Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Vikings and the Golden Gophers. 

Gene is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Kelly Ann, son Blair Allen, and four grandchildren: Emilio Aguilar-Rosenthal, Antonia Aguilar-Rosenthal, Paloma Aguilar-Rosenthal, and Catalina Aguilar-Rosenthal. Gene loved his family, including his extended family of many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law, three nephews and two nieces.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca and will continue for one hour before the service on Friday at the church.