Gene F.Votava, age 57

Gene F.Votava, age 57, of Karlstad, MN, formerly of Grafton, ND passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Sanford Hospital of Thief River Falls, MN.

Gene F. Votava was born October 4, 1957 in Grafton, ND the son of Frank and Martha (Sevigny) Votava where he grew up and attended school. Following his education he painted for Rodney Hell. He later worked for Getz Drug. He started Gene’s Quick Photo and ran that for a time. He then worked for Tweten’s Photography. Gene was united in marriage to Kay Kittelson. To this union three children were born.  In December of 1992 he went to work for Motor Coach Industries in Pembina and was currently working as a supervisor in the paint division. In June of 1993 he moved to Karlstad, MN and made his home with his fiancé Peggy Porter.

Gene loved to hunt, fish and work in his yard. He was an active member of the NRA.

He is survived by his children: Dana (Joe) Larkin, Hawley, MN; Andrea Votava, Fargo, ND; Kallyn Votava, Hillsboro, ND; ten grandchildren;  his fiancé Peggy Porter, Karlstad, MN; his parents Frank and Martha Votava, Grafton, ND; siblings: Allan (Susan) Votava, Grafton, ND: Rosanne (Gary) Omilak, Rock Island, IL; Diane (Robert) Almen, Grafton, ND and Mark Votava, Grafton, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 2:30 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be on Saturday for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of Grafton.

An online guestbook is available at:  www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.