Sjostrand, Gene Oscar

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend Gene Oscar Sjostrand, age 87. Gene was a resident of Albuquerque and formerly of Des Plaines, IL. He went to join the Lord and his beloved, cherished wife of 48 years, Eugenia. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Gene is survived by his children, Carl Sjostrand (Theresa), Eugenia Lindquist (John), and Margaret Sjostrand; grandchildren, Jennifer Sjostrand, Brianne Remo (Chris), Kiryn Sjostrand, Alex Lindquist, Jake Lindquist (Joanna), Marc Lindquist, Lisa Lindquist, and Caitlyn Sjostrand; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Matthew, Aliyah, Dominic, and Amelie; sisters, Sally Young and Nancy Jones (Robert); nieces and nephews; and many relatives in Sweden.

Gene was born to Carl and Blanche Sjostrand on 11-27-1929 in Aurora, IL. He had a special gift of music from a very young age. He has two Master’s Degrees from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago where he met his wife Eugenia. They married in 1952. He served in the US Army. He started working at Commerce Clearing House, a tax law firm. He went to night school while raising a family and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago. He retired from CCH in 1993 and moved to Albuquerque, NM.

Gene was a Choir Director for Rodgers Park Lutheran Church in Chicago, Hemingway Methodist Church in Evanston, IL, and filled in as a substitute choir director for The First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, IL, and at St John’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM. He was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Chancel Choir and JOY (Just Older Youth) Singers. He published many choral pieces. He loved serving the Lord through his music.

Gene was a 32nd Degree Master Mason. He was involved in the Des Plaines and Albuquerque Masonic Lodge. He was a Past Patron of Order of the Eastern Star #765 Des Plaines, IL and Adah #5 Chapter in Albuquerque, NM. He served as Associate Guardian of Bethel #105 in Des Plaines for Jobs Daughters.

Gene was compassionate, intelligent, and a consummate gentleman with a quick wit who loved to laugh. He will be remembered for his bright smile and loving heart. Gene enjoyed music, golfing, playing Bridge, and traveling but most of all his family.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church. Please visit our online guestbook for Gene at www.FrenchFunerals.com