Services for Gene LaMont Oak
Thu, 04/27/2023 - 11:56am
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Gene LaMont Oak, 85, of Albuquerque, NM passed away at his home on August 3, 2022. Gene was born to parents John and Adeline (Barsness) Oak in their rural farm home on July 3, 1937.
Gene, the second born of four children, grew up on the Oak family farm in McIntosh, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran church in McIntosh. He graduated from McIntosh High School in 1955. Gene participated in all things musical: voice, saxophone &
piano where he developed his love for classical music. Knowing the farm life wasn't for him, he began college at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and obtained a business degree graduating in 1959. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity and the UND band Upon college graduation he was drafted into the United States Army serving overseas in Korea and the last six months on Governors Island, NY, being discharged in the spring of 1961.
It was there he met his future wife, a WAC, Fabi Romero of Taos, NM. They married and Gene began his business career for several companies in New York. Their son, Kim, was born October 19, 1971. Soon they decided not to raise their son in NY and moved to Taos. They later divorced.
After a period of time Gene met and married Judy Romero on July 25, 1987, in Taos. They also lived in Socorro, NM where Judy was a Methodist pastor and then they moved to Albuquerque. Gene worked for H & R Block and had other business pursuits. He enjoyed singing in various groups wherever they were living. He was an avid reader. He also enjoyed cooking, being especially proud of his cheesecakes, crepes & scalloped potatoes.
He is survived by son Kim (Suzanne), granddaughters Camille & Erica. Stepchildren Tim, Elisa & Joy Romero, grandsons Kaelin & Silviano (Marissa) Romero & great granddaughter Lydia. Brother Wayne (Jan) Oak, Sandstone, MN, & sister, JoAnn Manlove, Park Rapids, MN, nieces, nephews & cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his parents, brother Larry, and brother-in-law Richard Manlove.
The Oak family will have a Committal Service of Gene's remains at Our Saviors Cemetery Monday, May 22 at 11:00 am. Anyone in the McIntosh surrounding area who remembers the Oak family are welcome to join them for the service.