Gene Lillemon, 91, of Harvey died Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home of Harvey.

Funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church of Harvey on Friday, February 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Visitation will be held at the Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Burial will be held at Bethania Lutheran Cemetery, rural Wellsburg, ND.

Gene Richard Lillemon was born January 1, 1927 to Newell and Mable (Hanson) Lillemon in Wellsburg, ND. He grew up on the family farm which he loved. Gene attended a country school with his brother, Jim and they either walked to school or rode on a bike together. He graduated from Fessenden High School.

In 1947, Gene was drafted into the Army and he served time in Korea as a cook. When he was discharged, he returned to Wellsburg and continued farming with his father and brother, Jim. They were prosperous farmers raising grain and cattle. Gene was a true "steward of the land." He had an extensive understanding of what it took to protect the land through conservation, preservation and moderation of the resources. Gene retired in 1998 but continued to drive to the farm every day to check on things and visit with Jim. They always found something to do.  Gene was a member of the Bethania Lutheran Church of Wellsburg until it burned down. He, then, became a member of the First Lutheran Church in Harvey, ND.

Gene married Joyce Mack on April 19, 1997 and they made their home in Harvey, ND. They enjoyed traveling on bus tours to various parts of the US, attending the Hostfest, traveling to Minneapolis to see their friends or to Sartell or Minot to see the grandchildren. Gene was a natural horseman.  He was an avid rider in the early years. He enjoyed mealtime and especially liked lutefisk but his all-time favorite were Rice Krispie bars!

Gene is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 21 years; his brother Jim Lillemon of Harvey; two nieces and their families; Joyce's children – Bruce (Susie) Mack, Tim (Susan) Mack, and Bonnie (Mark) Hedlund and grandchildren (Hannah, Tyler, Alex, Madelynn & Matthew).

In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church or the donors choice.