Eugene Gerald Dobson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/Gx70oovmHSs 

Eugene G. Dobson, 83 of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Eugene was born the son of T. William (Bill) and Ruth (Houdek) Dobson on September 3, 1940, in Voss, North Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Minto High School in 1958. As a young man, Gene enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1958 – 1960. After receiving an honorable discharge, he came back home and worked for Melvin’s Cabinet Shop in Grafton, ND. He learned floor covering installation and eventually moved to Seattle, Washington. On September 11, 1965, Gene married Colleen Rafferty in Seattle, where they started their family. They had three daughters, Dianne, Karen and Nancy. They moved to Grand Forks, and Gene continued working as a flooring installer until his retirement in 2005.

Gene worked for several years with the Grand Forks Blue Line Club, making many great friends, especially at Southgate Bar & Casino and Poor Richards Restaurant & Sports Club in Thompson, ND. He also worked at Target for a time.

Baseball was a passion of Gene’s, and he was a long-time fan of the Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed fishing for walleyes on Devils Lake and Lake of the Woods, bingo, trips to the casino, playing cards and listening to classic country music. He played softball for the Bun Lounge and umpired men’s league softball games. Gene also enjoyed watching UND hockey games. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

After being diagnosed with lung cancer, Gene received care at the Cancer Center of North Dakota. As a way of thanking the staff for their kindness, he decided to put his baking skills to use. He would bring dozens of sugar cookies when he had his appointments, with many flavors to choose from. He shared the cookies with the staff at Sanford Health, as well, and fondly became known as the “Cookie Man”. He and his family appreciated everyone that provided care for him. Gene was a survivor of kidney, prostate, and lung cancer – he beat them all.

Gene will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children: Dianne (Doug) Holtman of Crookston, MN, Karen (Brian) Johnson of Las Vegas, NV, and Nancy Dobson of Marysville, WA; five grandchildren, Kate (Ryan) Overgaard, Cody (Melissa) Holtman, Kayleigh Johnson, Thomas Dobson and Geena Dobson; three great-grandchildren, Charlee, Liam and Adain; brother, Ardell (Marilyn) Dobson of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Arlene (Eugene) Mach of Grand Forks, ND; sister-in-law, Sharon Dobson of Burnsville, MN; numerous nieces and nephews, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister-in-law, Donald and Linda Dobson and Dennis Dobson.

Feeling strongly about health care education, Gene donated his body to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.