Gene O. Holmblad

Gene O. Holmblad, 80, of Paragould, passed from this life on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Clinton, Minnesota, on October 12, 1943, to the late John and Irene Holmblad. Gene graduated from Clinton High School in 1961. He later graduated with a bachelors and a masters degree. During his career, Gene owned a salvage yard in Arkansas and a body shop in Minnesota. He was very skilled working with his hands. He had a passion for classic cars, and he would build them for people from the ground up. Gene married Phyllis Weaver on October 16, 1999. They loved to travel together and made their way across the country. He was a family man who cherished all the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Gene liked the outdoors. He spent a lot of time fishing, and he especially enjoyed eating fish. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lafe. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Brenda Holmblad.

Gene is survived by his wife of 24 years, Phyllis Holmblad; daughters, Angela Holmblad of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Carol Ann Wilmes of Paragould, and Amber (Robert) St. Marie of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Cole (Hannah) Wilmes, Colton Wilmes, and Hunter (Sheyenne Woodson) Wilmes, all of Paragould, and Caladon Cannon, Camden Cannon, and Sawyer St. Marie, all of Edmond; one great grandson on the way; sister-in-law, Kathleen (Jerry) Cole; brother-in-law, Jerome (Michelle) Weaver; and his little loving dog, Mariah.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 9:30-11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lafe. The funeral will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Aaron Neugebauer officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Pallbearers are Cole, Colton, Hunter, and Eric Wilmes, Caladon and Camden Cannon, and Sawyer St. Marie. In honor of Gene, please send memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church in Lafe.