Eugene "Gene" G. Abdo

Eugene “Gene” G. Abdo, age 67 of Mankato, MN passed away with his daughter by his side on September 4, 2024, at Crystal Season’s Assisted Living in Lake Crystal, MN.

 A gathering to celebrate the life of Gene will be held from 3-7 pm on October 4, 2024, at Hooligan’s in Mankato for all friends and family. A Private Family interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato, MN.

Eugene was born January 17, 1957, to Mose and Mary (Anton) Abdo in Mankato, MN. The youngest of four children, Gene attended Franklin Elementary School, West, and East High School in Mankato. Cooking and baking were always Gene’s passion. They were second nature to him, as he grew up helping his mother in the kitchen. Upon completion of his GED, he enrolled in the Culinary Program at South Central College to craft and master his talents as a “chef”. 

Although Gene had several employment opportunities over the years, his favorite was working at Minnesota State University-Mankato, cooking for the Minnesota Vikings while they stayed on campus for Spring Training. Later he would join the Minnesota Labors Union, Local 132, doing construction work for RW Carlstrom. Eventually, making his career building and repairing wind turbines throughout the Midwest. 

Fishing was one of Gene’s favorite pastimes. From little family ice fishing trips with his parents, to big fishing adventures in Alaska, to helping his little girl reel in her first catch, they were all some of his fondest memories. The “boys’ trip” with Moose and the gang to Leech Lake for fishing opener was something he looked forward to each year, everyone had their own job duties. Gene, the Cook and Captain of course! 

Gene was an enthusiast of all sports; he played, coached, watched and cheered. Football and baseball were his favorites, you could always find him rooting for the local or hometown team. He was a skilled card player and a bit of a pool shark as well. 

He enjoyed a little gardening, having fresh ingredients was his secret to being such a great cook. Many would agree that he was known for having a “Green Thumb”. Surrounding himself and his home with plants and flowers. It was clearly something that he enjoyed. His delicate, kind and caring nature made it appear effortless.

Gene loved photography. The photos he took and displayed had great meaning behind them. Sharing those memories with others was something he treasured. He also adored receiving pictures. Gene’s pride and joy was his daughter, and twin grandsons, Leighton & Steffen. He carried a stack of their pictures in his wallet and would show them off and brag about them to anyone who would listen. 

The staff at Crystal Season’s Assisted Living referred to Eugene as being very stoic, and many said he was “One of a Kind”. For all the care you showed him and giving him a place he could call home for the last couple of years, thank you. He truly enjoyed his time spent there. 

Eugene is survived by his daughter, Leah Hopponen (JT Phipps) of New Town, ND; Grandchildren, Leighton and Steffen Phipps; best friend, Duane “Moose” Stamereilers of Mankato, MN; brother, David (Cindy) Abdo of Morrocco, IN; sister, Diane (Curtis) Wiedeman of Elgin, IL; nieces, Nicci Abdo (her children Brayden & Bailey Curley) of Streator, IL; Traci (Kent) Hays (children Macenzie & Lindsey) of Mankato, MN; nephew, Jimmy (Elitta) Sorenson, Kingsport, TN and many other extended family and friends. 

Gene was proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Francis; and brother, Edward. 

A very special thank you to Gene’s longtime friend, Moose. Gene and Moose became friends in the 6th grade (1969) and held a friendship like brothers for many years. Moose helped Gene tremendously when his health hindered him from things like driving, running errands, and visiting friends. Moose made sure he was always taken care of and had a freezer full of fish. 

Moose, 

You deserve a million thanks. For your friendship, kindness, and generosity that you provided to my dad for the past 55+ years. You are a true friend, dad loved you like a brother, and his family truly thanks you.

 Love always and forever, Leah