After a life of love and quiet grace, Leslie "Gene" Haines, 97, has passed.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
Leslie entered this world in 1926 — the start of a journey that would span 98 years.
Leslie saw decades come and go, and held the lessons of each.
Leslie Eugene Haines formerly of Neillsville, Wisconsin, passed away on October 7, 2024 at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, South Dakota, at the age of 97 years 11months. Gene was born on November 17, 1926, to Robert and Anna (Helgeson) Haines. Gene married June Voigt on June 18,1948 and in this union, they had five children. During Gene's lifetime he owned & operated a dairy farm in rural Neillsville, Wisconsin. After selling the dairy farm, Gene took a sales position with Badger Equipment which brought him and his family to Hutchison, Minnesota. While working his region, which included South Dakota, he purchased a pool hall in Lennox, South Dakota which brought his family to Centerville, South Dakota. He was divorced a few years later. In 1969, he married Dora Wollmuth. During this time, Gene sold his business and became a salesman for Pecaut Equipment based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Upon retiring, Gene and Dora spent many years traveling in their RV. They enjoyed their travels until Dora's death in 1991. Gene married Velda Reymers in 1993. They also shared a love for travel and spent many years visiting family and friends. Gene and Velda resided in Tomah, Wisconsin until Velda's death in 2005. Gene then moved back to South Dakota and remained there until his death. Gene loved the days he could drive around the countryside checking on crops, wildlife and enjoying the people and things he encountered while out driving. Gene is survived by his children, Kay (Michael) Austin of Centerville, South Dakota; Tamara (Scott) Krieger of Elwood, Nebraska; Thomas (Margo) Haines of Avon, South Dakota and Crystal Haines of Kansas City, Kansas. His sister Anna (Arvin) Liebzeit. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his daughter Connie (Merle) Lawrenson; his wives Dora and Velda; parents Robert and Anna Haines; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Earl; Francis (Evelyn) Haines; Glenn (Juanita) Haines; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ella (Russell) Gardner; Rebecca (Alex) Goeser. Following cremation Gene will be buried in Neillsville, Wisconsin. Graveside services will be held at a later date.
