Gene Donley

M. Gene Donley, 79, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Gene was born on April 11, 1938, to Melvin and Mildred (Wellbrock) Donley in Fergus Falls. He graduated from Roosevelt Park High School in 1956, and earned 9 letters in football, basketball, and baseball. Gene was named MVP and All-Conference in both football and basketball as well as senior Homecoming King. He went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, with a combination scholarship for sports/academics. Gene graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and in June of that year, he joined the United States Army. He remained on active duty until March 1966 when he received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6).

On October 5, 1963, Gene married Mary L. Halvorson in Elizabeth, MN. They resided in Fergus Falls and had two sons Mark and Mike. He worked in the banking industry for 33 years, ending as President of Home Owners Savings Bank. During those years he was very active in various community organizations, including Jaycees, Kiwanis, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Productive Alternatives, a member of the Elks Club, and different churches that he attended. He also served as President of the Youth Hockey Association, as well as a coach to his son’s hockey teams.

In 1993, he became the first consultant for the City of Fergus Falls on Project 2000. In later years, Gene was elected President of the Village Cooperative where he served as president for 6 years and to the Board of the Fergus Falls District 544 Foundation. He was elected to the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.

Gene enjoyed many hobbies but was especially proud of bowling the 3rd ‘300’ game in Fergus Falls in 1971. In 1978, Gene and his family purchased a lot on Silver Lake where they enjoyed many summers. He enjoyed the lake life and fishing. In 1979, Gene and Dick Werner purchased some hunting land where he, their sons, and grandkids, have made many memories duck hunting.

Gene loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Gene and Mary would travel to many of the kids’ sporting events and special family occasions.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Melvin and Mildred Donley; and a sister, Betty Arlene.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary Donley of Fergus Falls; son, Mark (Sandi) Donley and their children, Laura, Joey, Luke of Rogers, MN; son, Mike (Marie) Donley and their children, Nicole, Ashlee, Mason of Fergus Falls; uncle, Duane (Marian) Donley; and other family members, Kathy Donley, Larry Johnson, and numerous cousins.

Memorials can be made to Bethlehem Youth Mission Trips, 544 Foundation, or the Fergus Falls Band Booster Club.



Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2018, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN
Clergy: Revs. Tom Peterson and Jake Anderson
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com