Eugene "Gene" E. Sellner

Eugene E. Sellner, age 75, of Mankato, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato.

Gene was born April 15, 1944 in Comfrey, MN to Norbert & Sylvia Sellner. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Comfrey High School in 1962. He graduated from Mankato State University (then Mankato College) in 1966 with a Math and Physics degree. 

On June 8, 1968, Gene married Bonnie Tostenson, who he met at Mankato State College. After graduation, he worked in Computer Services, working on the University’s very first mainframe computer. He worked at the University for 44 years, most recently as a Director of Administrative Computer Services until his retirement in 2010. 

After his retirement, he volunteered regularly with the Police Service at the Mankato Department of Public Safety. He was a huge supporter of Minnesota State University Mankato Maverick hockey being a Blue Line Club member, and he traveled to many road games. He was an avid bicyclist and has volunteered for 9 years at the Mankato River Ramble. He also participated for many years in the Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota. He was also a member at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Sons of Norway, and Vine. He was the former President of the Mankato Area Hockey Association, and is a board member of the Diamond Creek residential association. 

Gene had a love of family, friends and adventure. He and Bonnie traveled together to all 50 states and especially loved visiting the National Parks. He actively researched family genealogy and visited Norway. He had a love of all sports, especially Maverick hockey, the Twins and the Vikings. Gene and Bonnie were passionate about gardening, were members of Twilight Gardening Club at the Hubbard House, and lovingly created a beautiful backyard garden to enjoy at their home.

The greatest love of Gene’s life was his wife Bonnie, his children and grandchildren. No distance was too far to travel to watch his grandchildren participate in dance, sports, school activities and events. We will remember our Husband, Dad and Grandpa for his wisdom, support, care, love, and kindness. He was the absolute best example for how to live life to the fullest and to be kind to everyone.

Gene is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Mankato; children, Scott (Lana) Sellner of Fairfax, IA, Keri (David) Traub of New Market, MN, and Laurie (Robert) Riepe of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Hannah and Emily Sellner, Brandon, Maxwell, Lauren and Carson Traub, and Braden and Cameron Riepe; sisters, Beverly (Richard) Sanders of Rochester, MN and Deanna Sellner of Des Moines, IA; brother-in-law, Darryl Tostenson; sister-in-law, Jeannette Tostenson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Sylvia Sellner; brothers, Glen and Dean; mother and father-in-law, Alta and George Tostenson; brother-in-law, Larry Tostenson; and sister-in-law, Donna Tostenson.  

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  Visitation will be Monday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge the support provided by responders, EMTs, and police officers.