Gene B. Bednar, 66, of Fargo, North Dakota, died after a battle with cancer on Oct. 25, 2018, at Sanford on Broadway in Fargo.

Gene Bruce Bednar was born March 20, 1952, in Austin, Minnesota, to Donald and Betty (Lorimor) Bednar. He graduated from Austin High School in 1970. He married Karee Killoren on Aug. 18, 1973, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. They were married for 45 years. He began a 28-year sales career with Hormel Foods in 1973 that placed him in the territories of Fairmont, Minnesota, Willmar, Minnesota, the Twin Cities and Fargo. Even after retiring, Gene remained dedicated and active in promoting Hormel. He would buy products and give out samples to new people he would meet and educate others on what quality products Hormel provides. Gene’s love of nature, along with staying healthy and fit, led him to finish six marathons and take biking trips too numerous to mention. Being in nature on the bike gave him the feeling of being released and carefree, but he always commented on how he never failed to pay full attention to everything around him – all the beauty and blessings God provides. Gene’s greatest joy was to be surrounded by family and friends. He loved to attend sporting events and had a special interest in Minnesota sports, especially the Twins, Vikings and Gophers.

Gene’s heart was huge. He knew how blessed he was and was always looking to share with everyone, be it family, friend, or stranger. Gene is survived by his wife, Karee; daughter, Tricia (Chad) Sauvageau; sons, Jason Bednar and Mark (Jenny) Bednar; brothers, Denny (Michael) Bednar, and Brad (Sue) Bednar; and grandchildren, Garret, Maren, Charlie and Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother, Jody.

Gene and his family would like to thank the staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center, along with the entire oncology team on the seventh floor, for their care and abundant kindness and compassion. They made a difference in the life of Gene and his family with the quality of care given and their tender hearts.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:22 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at Nativity Catholic Church with Father David Michael officiating. Friends may call from 1:30-2:22 p.m. before the service on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.