Obituary of Eugene E. Hegel

Eugene E. Hegel was born on June 22, 1941 in Belfield, Stark County, ND, the son of John Hegel and Caroline Roeder. He passed away on November 9, 2018, in Lacey, WA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., at New Beginnings Bible Fellowship, 2937 54^th Ave SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. Please join us and bring your favorite dish to share.

Eugene had a fully enriched life. He was the youngest of 13 kids. His family owned a farm outside Belfield, ND, where the kids were raised. After selling the farm, the family moved to Glendive, MT. Eugene attended and graduated from Glendive High School. He went on to attend South Seattle Community College (1966-1969), and Green River Community College, where he received an AA in marketing. He finished his education at The Evergreen State College (1984-1988) with a BA in Public Administration.

Eugene worked on oil rigs during the oil boom in Montana, North Dakota and Nevada until he injured his hand. He then found his way to Washington where a new career path led him to painting and architectural design. He traveled around painting gas stations from Washington to California. During this time, Eugene resided in Seattle and Kent, then moved to the Olympia area to be closer to his children.

Eugene was baptized at 7 days old at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Belfield, ND.  He was raised Catholic and attended both Catholic church and Catholic school. Eugene was baptized on August 2, 1980 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kent 4^th Ward, Renton Stake. He held 2 priesthoods of High Priest and was heavily involved in the Single Adults, playing music for the single dances in the Olympia area. Due to Alzheimer’s, Gene forgot which church he was attending. He reverted back to his Catholic youth. Even then he kept his bible and Book of Mormons nearby which his family read to him in his final days.

In later years, Eugene spent his time – and was recognized around Olympia as, “the gold hat man” – always wearing his sparkly, metallic hat. He spent his time at McDonald’s (where he loved to eat), Olympia Library, and the local farmer’s market. He made many friends.

Eugene is survived by his son, Curtis Hegel (Jennifer Hegel) of Holland, MI, and daughter, Corey Crawford (David Mills) of Olympia, WA; his grandchildren: Briana Crawford, Jessica Mills, Sarah Hegel, and Matthew Hegel; special granddaughter and family, Ashley Hauge (Chris Rainey), Kira and Enzo; brother, Edward (Kathy) Hegel of Glendive, MT; sisters, Arline Thomas, Billings, MT, and Darlene (Willis) Jimison of Glendive MT; several nieces and nephews. Eugene was preceded in death by both parents; brothers, Albert, John and Louie; and sisters, Julia, Tille, Pauline Frank, Virginia Hecker and Caroline Hecker.

During the progression of his disease, Eugene and his family were given so much kindness and support. We would like to acknowledge Tamara and the staff at Bank of America, Downtown Olympia Branch; Kathy Noffsinger, BJ Johnson, Ray Sayward, Angelo Torres, and Kelli Morgan. Your kindness kept Eugene home beyond what was expected. “Thank you” WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH!!

Eugene’s wishes were to join his parents and siblings in their final resting place in St. Bernards Catholic Cemetery in Belfield, ND. The Hegel family will gather and intern him with his parents in the spring of 2019.