Gene Shirley Anderson Maluchnik

Gene Shirley Anderson Maluchnik was born Nov.1, 1923, near Erwin, S.D. She joined older siblings Dolly, Art and later younger brother Dean was born. Education through high school was in Erwin, S.D. As a child she was an ""outdoor"" person who helped her dad and and learned to hunt rabbits. She had fun climbing the outside of the silo, especially as it was situated where she couldn't be seen from the house, so no one could tell her to climb down. In winter they went ""snowboarding"". That consisted of standing on a board and a horse pulling them through the fields! Her main interest in high school was music. She participated in vocal competitions as a soprano soloist, in a trio and glee club. After graduating in 1941, she attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. graduating with a degree in English. Her varied career consisted of teaching, secretary/treasurer of the Farmers Union in Huron, S.D., Department store controller, accountant, eventually retiring from one of the""big eight"" accounting firms in Minneapolis. Gene and Chet were married March 22, 1969. During their 38 years of marriage they traveled extensively to places such as South America, Europe , the Carribbean, Hawaii as well as many locations within the continental U.S. She was a woman with varied interests who possessed a competitive spirit. Gene was an accomplished bowler (as was Chet) and they travelled to many national tournaments. She knitted beautiful items for daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Quilting was also a passion and every stitch was lovingly completed by hand! Loved playing cribbage and the grandchildren received no breaks. Played bridge, mah jong, whist and other card games. It may be harder to recognize her as being a fisherman(woman), pheasant hunter, and deer hunter! Gene loved her trips to Blackhawk for a day of slots and she was an avid sports fan watching all she could of professional golf, baseball and football (a lifelong Vikings fan but growing into a Broncos supporter!) GeneandChet was one word as they spent a great 38 years together. After Chet's passing in 2007, Gene continued to live among family and friends in Sioux Falls, S.D. In April of 2010 she made the move to Littleton, Co. where she lived among more family members. Her death was unexpected as all thought she would still be driving, shopping, having fun manicures and hair appointments till at least 95. Thankful for her long, independent life are all family members and friends. Gene is loved and will be immeasurably missed by her two daughters and their families. Barb and Bob Preeo Adam and Ginger Preeo Owen 6, Evey 5, Rhys 21 months Kyle Preeo Kit Preeo Marcia and Pat Burke Katie Burke and Mike Colon. Jonathon Cruz 10 months Patrick and Jennifer Burke. Hadley 9, Hudson 6 Gene is also survived by her brother Art and many special nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or any American Veterans organization.