Eugene E. Sammon, 82, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 25, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin from a head injury due to a fall.  Eugene Edward Sammon was born Sept. 1, 1934, on the family farm in rural Rice County, Minnesota (Faribault) to Eugene and Margy (Sandager) Sammon. Gene loved his life on the farm with the animals, 4-H, and the one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1952having participated in many school activities. He especially enjoyed basketball and FFA. He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture with a teaching degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant in Army (ROTC). He married Phyllis Whitney and together they raised four children. He worked for the Hormel Company for 37-plus years, fulfilling his desire to work for a large company in a small town. He retired as Director of Refinery and Feeds Division having appreciated the benefits and opportunities afforded him while forming lifelong friendships. In addition, Gene served thirty years in the Minnesota National Guard as a citizen soldier retiring with the rank of colonel.

Gene was faithful to the Catholic church, family, and friends. He loved sports, particularly golf. He was a fan and follower of Austin sports, the Twins, Vikings, and the University of Minnesota Gophers. Gene enjoyed varied travels with family and friends; however, his favorite vacation for 46 years was the annual family week at Big Sand Lake.

Left to treasure the memories are his wife Phyllis Sammon of Austin; son, Gary (Sharon) Sammon of Laguna Niguel, California, and their children, Corey and Catherine Sammon; daughter, LeeAnn (Jeff) Ettinger of Austin and their children, Riley Ettinger, Ellen (Phil) Egelston, Jay Ettinger and Betsy Ettinger; daughter, Wendy McKean of Rochester, Minnesota, and her children, Cole McKean and Kayla (Dustin) Thompson; son, Gregg Sammon of Rochester; brother-in-law, Gordon Hunt of Faribault; sisters-in-law, Lora Lee Corbin and Gayle Whitney; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Eileen Hunt; and brother-in-law, Kirk Whitney.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at St. Edward Catholic Church with Father James Steffes and Deacon John Kluczny officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

With the many needs that face the world today, if you wish to honor Gene’s memory you may select your favorite charity, or the American Cancer Society or the National Parkinson’s Foundation.