Elgene “Gene” M. Lund

Elgene “Gene” Lund, age 101, passed away at her beloved home in St. Peter on Saturday, October 18, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Her memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter on Saturday, November 8 at 11 am, with a meal to follow. Visitation will be at the church on Friday afternoon, November 7, from 4-6 pm and 1 hour before the service. Please share a memory of Gene with her family and view her service livestreamed at www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com

Elgene was born May 23, 1924, the youngest of four children born to John F. and K. Josephine (Brandt) Johnson. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City, MN. A very fun-loving young lady, she was an honor student and cheerleader in high school, graduating in 1942. She earned a Nursing Diploma from Bethesda Hospital School of Nursing in St. Paul in 1945.

On August 14, 1946, she married Doniver Lund of Mead, Nebraska. They returned from their honeymoon to be head residents of a boys dormitory at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where Doniver was the newly-hired professor of history. Gene worked at the student health service, was an active member of the Faculty Wives’ Club, and was also a sorority advisor. In 1953, they built a house in a newly developing neighborhood called Valley View. Their home had space for renting to many college students who called her “Mom” throughout the years.

Elgene was known as neighborhood nurse for everything from skinned knees to nursing advice during serious illnesses. She volunteered as nurse for the Red Cross; served the community as a leader in Bluebirds, Camp Fire Girls, and Den Mother in Cub Scouts; and she did volunteer work for the local food shelf and thrift store. Her strong faith led her to be active at First Lutheran Church as a Sunday School teacher; Confirmation Mentor; member of Ladies’ Aid and Library Circle, carefully varnishing the wooden shelves and cubicles in the church library; serving on a Call Committee; and bringing meals to families in crisis. She was so well-loved by the community that over 200 people came to her 100th birthday party last year.

During her career as a registered nurse, Gene worked at Bethesda Lutheran Hospital, St. Peter Community Hospital, and Oak Lawn Nursing Home. She did “private duty” home care in the days before hospice, and was with the Gustavus Student Health Service for over 25 years. In her retirement, she continued her close association with Gustavus, and was thrilled to be named an Honorary Gustie in 2024. At the time of her death, she was the oldest retired member of the college staff.

Her favorite hobbies included shopping (so she could give generous gifts to her many friends); hosting lavish Christmas parties, pot lucks, and family gatherings; and decorating her house inside and out for Christmas and every other season. She and Don also enjoyed going places, traveling both around the United States and to several European countries.

Elgene is survived by her children: Rebecca Otterness, Renee’ Lund, Ruth (Gary) Neely, and Tom (Cindy) Lund; grandchildren: Peter (Jenny) Otterness, Katie (Bryan) Meadows, and Kenyon (Melissa) Sivels; and five great-grandchildren calling her “GGG”: Matthew Otterness, Will and Eli Meadows, and Trinity and Eden Sivels, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doniver in 1998; son-in-law, Rev. David Otterness; siblings: Delores (Clint) Hagen, Durward (Burnell) Johnson, and Ardis (John) Schwalbach; nieces: Betsy Olson, Sheila Meaden, and Barbara LaValle; and nephew, Bruce Hagen.

Memorials can be made to Gustavus Adolphus College, First Lutheran Church, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, the Salvation Army, or charity of choice.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing