Eugene "Gene" Arthur Montpetit

Eugene “Gene” A. Montpetit of Somerset, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 26, 2023 at the age of 75. Gene was born on May 29, 1947 to Warren and Elizabeth Montpetit of St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Harding High School in 1965.

Gene was bigger than life, and he greeted you with a predictable smile. He redefined entrepreneurial spirit as he followed the many family members before him into the bar and restaurant business. Conversations always came easy. In these early years, Gene mastered the art of persuasion, and the delivery of humor. Those two skills became his brand. He was fiercely loyal, and he took great pride in connecting others to benefit someone else.

He later joined his dad in the full-service car wash business, where his passion and talent found a higher purpose. Gene had a passion for excellent service – he wanted you to be elated with the outcome. He was also incredibly neat, clean and orderly. Together these characteristics were the perfect mix for a service enterprise that centered on the immaculate.

Gene used stories – some fact, some fiction - to bring people together. And all stories had one thing in common: humor. He loved a good practical joke, a game of cards with his Somerset friends, a blackjack table in Vegas, or attending an AA meeting. The last 27 years of his life were sober. Gene was rightfully proud of this accomplishment. He spent countless hours working on his yard – specifically his at-home par 3, tinkering in his garage, serving as an usher at St. Anne’s Catholic Church and volunteering in the schools.

Above all else, he valued and cherished his family. He will be missed beyond measure by his long-time sweetheart of 35 years, Julie Armstead; his children Jamey (fiancée Brenna), Kimberly (Ryan), and Aaron; his four grandchildren (Maggie, Grace, Ava, Eli); his former wife and dear friend, Mary Montpetit; his brother Jay (Shelley); and his many extended family members and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joel.

Wulff Funeral Home will host a Visitation on March 7 from 4 – 7 p.m. (1485 White Bear Avenue, St. Paul, MN). Mass of Christian Burial will be on March 8 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church,141 Church Hill Road, Somerset, with Interment immediately following at St. Anne’s Cemetery. All are welcome at a 12:45 p.m. reception at General Sam’s Bar & Grill, Somerset.

In lieu of flowers you might consider a donation to St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN) Student Fund.