Obituary: Eugene Summers

Eugene Summers

Eugene Raymond Summers, age 91, passed away March 1, 2022, at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, N.D.

Gene's visitation will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington. Father Terry Dodge will officiate. His burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Eugene to his parents and family – but Gene to friends, was born December 7, 1931, in Carrington, the son of Raymond and Edna (Anderson) Summers in Carrington, N.D.

Gene began his education in Carrington and attended numerous schools as the family traveled following his dad's work as a welder. He completed the eighth grade in Carrington.

In 1946, the family moved to Bergoo, West Virginia, and he attended Webster Springs High School for two years. Of all the places he lived, (if you knew him well you heard the stories of his time in Bergoo), the mountains, the people and the fishing and hunting captured his heart and soul.

In 1948, the family relocated to Chicago where his dad worked as a welder, and his mom worked at the local Kroger. Upon graduation from Central High in Chicago, he enlisted in the Marine Corp.

He served a tour of duty in Korea and upon returning to the states he was assigned to guard the Naval Headquarters in Washington, D,C. He took great pride is his assignment and it allowed him to travel back to West Virginia to see friends and hunt in the mountains that he loved. Upon his discharge, he returned to Chicago – where he and his father opened a City Service Station until they sold it to return to North Dakota. In 1960, they bought a farm north of Pettibone.

In January of 1976, he married Janice Wright (Unverzagt) and took on a new role as father to Julie.

He continued to farm and ranch with his dad until 1980 when his parents retired. He worked for Nieswaag's Milk Hauling for 27 years until his retirement in 2002. He also worked at Cenex in Pettibone. Gene was active in the community serving on the Pettibone School Board, Mayor and Fire Chief over the years. Afternoons he could be found playing cards.

Upon his retirement, he and Janice moved to Carrington where he enjoyed being in the local book club and attending events at the Putman house. His love of travel included trips to Texas to see the pride and joy of his life – his grandsons. Of his many roles, the one he treasured the most was that of grandpa.

Following Janice's passing in 2012, he moved to Golden Acres Estates where he found the second love of his life, Ethel Weippert – 24 steps door- to-door as he would say. Ethel's sharp wit, intelligence, and card playing skills captured his heart. He enjoyed sharing his life with her – which included her seven children and spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as Ethel's siblings and friends.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Julie Kessel, Atascocita, Texas; grandsons, Chandler Kessel (Emily) Kingwood, Texas, and Carter Kessel, Houston, Texas; great-grandson, Caden Kessel and great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Claire Kessel; special bonus daughter, Debbie Miller (Mark) Heaton, N.D. – along with all of Ethel's children and spouses; sisters-in-law, Patsy (Norlyn) Schmidt, Bismarck, N.D., and Janna Unverzagt, Bismarck, N.D.; and brother-in-law, Bill (Betty) Unverzagt, Brandon, S.D.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice; special friend, Ethel Weippert; sister, Carol DeCarli; brother-in-law, Joe DeCarli; mother and father-in-law, Pearl and Ernest Unverzagt and nephew, Mark Unverzagt.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.