Eugene Arthur Dickhudt

On November 18, 1949, Eugene began dating Rosemarie. In a story that captures his quiet confidence and straightforward charm, he sent her an engagement ring via USPS; when the ring was not returned, he took that as a "yes". They were married on July 29, 1953, at St. John’s Vincent Catholic Church in Minnesota. Eugene was the father of two and shared an exceptional relationship with his son, Jim—treasuring their daily phone calls as a steady, meaningful part of life. His two granddaughters, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great child meant the world to him.

Eugene attended Mechanic Arts High School and went on to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1950 and served for 4 years. While in the Navy, Gene served in the Korean War aboard the USS ESSEX as a gunner. After his discharge, he began as an apprentice machinist at Champion Aircraft in St. Paul, where his innovative and brilliant mind lead him to build and test fly his own helicopter, while working for Champion Air. He was even featured in the local newspaper as a “Gadget Maker.”

In 1962, Gene was hired at Honeywell, where he built prototype explosive devices. He later joined Medtronic, designing/inventing many medical devices. Over the course of his life, he received 99 patents, including a patent of distinction for inventing the Cardiac Lead.

Gene did not fully retire until he was 90, he continued to accept contract work for medical devices and spent his final working years doing what he loved most, working in his shop.

Eugene loved building—truly, he could build anything one could imagine, and often did. Those who knew him understood that his mind worked with remarkable speed and clarity, bringing others ideas to life.

Aside from his devotion to work and craft, he was, above all, a devoted family man. He enjoyed spending time together, including, jambalaya, pig roasts, family parties, and every Christmas Eve. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida and forever loved palm trees, boating and a good thunderstorm. He valued the company of family friends and times spent with wonderful neighbors.

He will be remembered with respect, gratitude, and never ending love.

Gene is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; children, Ron and Jim; grandchildren, Steffanie (Bobby) Dennis and Cari (John Toth) Dickhudt; great grandchildren, Emma (Tim Knops) Toth, Mason Toth, Bobby Dennis and Sophie Dennis; great great grandchild, Cash Knops; nieces and nephews; close friend, Brian and furry baby, Roxy.

He was preceded in death by, siblings, fur baby, Tara.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at St. John Baptist Catholic Church, New Brighton at 10:30 am with visitation beginning at 9:30 am.

Burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 9:00 am with military honors.