Eugene "Gene" Paradeis, age 87, of Mitchell, SD died Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial and military rites at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service followed by a rosary service beginning at 6:30 PM.

Eugene "Gene" Paradeis, son of Walter and Gertie (Klinkhammer) Paradeis, was born September 8, 1928 in Epiphany, SD. He was baptized at Holy Three Kings Church and attended grade school at St. Mary's Catholic School in Epiphany. Gene served in the US Army from 1946 to 1948 in South Korea. After his honorable discharge, Gene farmed for a time. In 1961 he became employed at Northwestern Public Service until his retirement in 1990.

Gene was united in marriage with Mary Gerlach on September 8, 1953 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Four children were born to this union: Daniel, Debra, Julie and Jeanne.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he served as a lector for many years, Knights of Columbus and the Calvary Cemetery Board for many years. Gene enjoyed hunting pheasants and geese and finding treasures with his metal detector.

Gene is survived by his wife Mary; three children, Debra Paradeis, Mitchell, SD, Julie (Brian) Casey and Jeanne Paradeis, both of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Michael (Lindsay) Casey, Lakewood, CO, Megan Casey, Boulder, CO, Natalie Casey, Breckenridge,CO, Jacob Paradeis, San Fransisco, CA; three sisters, Sally Staley, Madison, IN, RoseMarie Welchert, Tucson, AZ, Eileen Bedell, Denver, CO; In-laws, Barb Nesheim, Patricia Butterfield, David (Jeanine) Gerlach, Lambert (Joyce) Gerlach, Harlan (Sandy) Gerlach, Linda Gerlach, and Norbert (Carol) Gerlach; and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, born February 23, 1954; his parents; two brothers, Gerald (Virginia) Paradeis and Fritz (Shirley) Paradeis; brother-in-laws, John Staley and Ted Welchert; sister-in-laws, Dorothy (Marion) Travis, June (Cal) Droppers, Judy Mae Gerlach; and a brother-in-law, Garhardt Gerlach.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Calvary Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, Mitchell Area Food Pantry or charity of donor's choice.