Eugene Ernest Hrncir, age 94, peacefully passed away at his home in Watertown, SD on June 11, 2026.

Eugene (Gene) was born on January 8th, 1932, on The Farm (Rock Farm) in North Norway Township Roberts County, SD. It is located north of Claire City, SD. He was born to Joseph Alfred and Mathilda (Podliska) Hrncir. Gene was baptized and confirmed at Bethal Lutheran Church in Claire City, SD. He was also later baptized and confirmed again in St. Peter's Catholic Church in Sisseton, SD. Gene was one of seven boys and three girls in his family. He began working when he was 8 years old for local farmers. Gene would work both before and after school. He attended grade school in two different schools in Norway Township through the 8th grade. Gene went to work pulling mustard from crops, herding sheep, shucking grains, hauling bundles for the threshers, and any other part-time work for those who needed it. He worked part-time until age 14 then went full-time working for a local farmer. Gene was unable to go to High School as his father needed help, so Gene also helped him until he was 19 years old. His work earnings were able to help his parents and immediate Family.

In 1951 Gene met the love of his life Joy Marie Erickson, and they were united in marriage on December 1, 1953, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Sisseton, SD. In 1954 he was drafted into the US Army and served for 2 years. He went to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas for training, then to New Jersey for 1 ½ years and then was honorably discharged at the rank of Sargeant. Gene was part of the 98th Anti-aircraft artillery battalion in the defense of New York City. He received training on the 90MM, 50MM, M1 Rifle, and Carbine. Gene received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In the fall of 1956 Gene and Joy rented a farm and started farming on their own together. They rented for 10 years. In 1966 they bought a farm by Sisseton where they farmed for the next 41 years. (Farming for a total of 51 years). They raised Angus cattle, sheep, hogs, and chickens. They also milked Holstein cows. Eventually they sold the livestock in 1985 and went to just grain farming. He was very dedicated to farming and did not take very much time to enjoy any fishing or hunting. In 2006 they semi-retired to Watertown, SD and sold their home place. Gene continued to take care of his CRP acres so he could still drive the tractor which he loved to continue to do as much as he could. (Gene was at his best in his fields!)

Eugene was a Life-Time member of The Knights of Columbus Post 4133, St. Peter's Catholic Church and Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 in Sisseton, SD. During the winter and spring months Gene was a Salesman for Dahlgren and Pioneer, selling seed for 25 years. He received several awards for his sales efforts during those years. Gene and Joy were able to take several seed trips together including Hawaii, Jamaica, San Diego, Nashville, and Florida. Gene loved to fly the United States Flag. He lived a long and happy life with his family and enjoyed farming for a major portion of his Life.

Eugene is survived by his wife Joy, his sons, Dale Hrncir of Grand Forks, ND, Kevin (Dawn) Hrncir of Sisseton, SD, Bryan (Naomi) Hrncir of Farmington, MN; his daughters Linda (David) Medenwald of Sioux Falls, SD, and Lora (Greg) Fargen of Brookings, SD; his brother Leonard (Martha) Hrncir, his Sisters-in-laws Pat Hrncir and Carol Schade; 11 Grandchildren, Ryan, Kelli, Trevor, Dustin, Jordan, Luke, Blake, Kyle, Brandon, Eric, and Sara; and 2 Step-Grandchildren, Patrick and Jon; and 9 Great Grandchildren Quinn, Kylee, Dylan, Levi, Alexis, Madisyn, Parker, Steven, and Morrigan; and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, Ryker and Sutton; sister-in-law, Nancy Hrncir and many Nephews and Nieces.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mathilda (Podliska) Hrncir; his son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Ada Hrncir; his father and mother-in-law, Luke and Marie Erickson; his step father-in-law, Nick Hollen; his sisters, Irene (Clifford) Dahlberg, Marie (Clayton) Heiden and Florence (Bill) Klobuchar; his brothers Robert (Alice) Hrncir, Vernon (Yvonne) Hrncir, Ernest (Judy) Hrncir, Joe Hrncir, and Kenny Hrncir, his brothers-in-law Lawrence (Jenny) Erickson, Gene (Margie) Erickson, and Stan Schade; and one great grandchild Dirksen Medenwald.

My Journey

I had a long road from the early years until now, but it has been a gift,

The journey was a blessing in the making, it was truly my fit.

The Farm Life was a wonderful experience, and my true calling,

And my lovely Wife Joy all the way, kept me from falling.

The early mornings, and the late evenings as well,

kept me on track for this great story to tell.

I met many great friends along the way,

And kept my drive and motivation every day.

I have reflected back many times on this path I have taken,

And special memories, moments, and hands I have shaken.

I would do it all over again without a doubt,

Having a mission and a desire is what it is all about.

Being kind, laughing a lot, and enjoying all of the gifts each day ,

It is what helps us all look at each day in a unique way.

The support of Family in all of these years,

Makes me feel I have made a difference which brings me to tears.

It is my time to take the next journey into God's Land,

You all have made me who I am, I have now reached out my hand.

I thank you all for helping me be what I could be,

Now I look ahead for what is next to see.

It is just the beginning of what is next to come,

You see, My Journey is not done.

Family and Friends

I cherish you all and I am thankful for the time we have had together. May you each live full lives and fulfill your dreams. You have made my Life special and worth living. The older I had gotten the more I realized what is truly important. It is Family and Friends and all the love that comes with them. God bless you all and I hope you all have a great Journey as well. Enjoy your lives and never forget what is most important.

Until we meet again, I love you all.

Eugene

Funeral Mass for Eugene Ernest Hrncir, 94 of Watertown, SD formerly of Sisseton, SD will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Sisseton, SD with Fr. Ken Lulf Celebrant. Song Leader will be Sandi Jaspers and Organist will be Bill Nelson. Pallbearers will be Ryan Fargen, Dustin Medenwald, Jordan Hrncir, Blake Hrncir, Luke Hrncir, Kyle Hrncir, Trevor Medenwald, Brandon Hrncir, and Eric Hrncir. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Gene's Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren. Interment will be in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Sisseton, SD with Military Rites by Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342. There will be visitation at St. Peter's Catholic Church from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of Funeral arrangements.