Eugene Walter “Gene” Heuton, 70, passed away at home on Monday, June 10, 2019, following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Gene was the youngest of four sons born to Russell and Margaret (Rossow) Heuton. He was born May 2, 1949, his mother’s birthday, in Austin, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Upon graduating eighth grade from St. John’s Lutheran School, Gene attended Concordia Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gene was proud to be a member of the Academy Class of ’67 and would later work tirelessly to keep the class connected. After high school graduation, Gene studied art at Austin Community College and Mankato State University. While at Mankato, Gene fell under the spell of a new 1969 Silver Chevy Camaro and left school to work full time as a meat cutter to make car payments.

On March 17, 1973, Gene married Lynne Marie Olson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, Minnesota. He and Lynne moved to St. Paul in 1977 when he returned to school, majoring in elementary education at Concordia University.

​In 1979, he began his teaching career at Central Lutheran School (CLS), where he would remain for 35 years. In addition to teaching, he coached a variety of sports, acted as athletic director, served at PT&FA president, and stepped in wherever he was needed. Former students often comment that one of their favorite memories was the 100-mile bike trip that “Mr. Heuton” initiated and led for over 25 years.

Gene was an active member at St. Stephanus Lutheran Church. In addition to serving as elder and worship assistant, he played on and managed the church softball team for 33 years and was a member of the church bowling team for 40 years.

​After retiring in 2014, Gene and Lynne traveled, visiting family and friends and totally enjoyed the remaining time they were given together.

Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father, Russell and Margaret (Rossow) Heuton; brothers, Norman and Ronald; and nephew, Jon. Gene is survived by his wife, Lynne; daughter, Hillary Sawyer; granddaughter, Willow Sawyer; Son, Kyle, and daughter-in-law, Amy (Durmaskin) Heuton; brother, Richard; nieces, Natalie (Mike) Lay, Diana (Keith) Lind and Heather (Steve) Durham; grand-nieces and nephews; and cousins.

​Gene was a caring husband and father, a dedicated teacher, a talented artist, a creative problem solver, a man with a quirky sense of humor, and a faithful follower of his beloved Minnesota Twins; but most important, he was a man with an old-fashioned faith that allowed him to face death confidently and without fear.

​A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at St. Stephanus Lutheran Church, 739 Lafond Ave., St. Paul. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019,  at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd. B, Roseville, and for one hour before the service on Saturday at the church. Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2018, in Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Memorials may be sent to Concordia Academy, Roseville, Concordia University, St. Paul, or St. Stephanus Lutheran Church, St. Paul.