Eugene Hannestad

Eugene Keith Hannestad, “Beany”, 72, of Northwood, ND, Loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, entered into the arms of Jesus on September 4th, 2020 at his home away from home “Cool Stuff”. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at Centennial Park in Northwood. Please bring your lawn chairs. A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Community Bible Church in Northwood. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are recommended.

Eugene was born September 18, 1947 to Walter and Orlien (Lerol) Hannestad in Northwood.

He attended rural school until 1960 (8th grade).  He started at Northwood Public and graduated from Northwood High School in 1965.

After high school he worked as a farm hand for Lloyd Thorsgard and Marvin Klevberg.

Christmas Eve 1966, he became engaged to Mary Hillesland, the love of his life and married December 3rd, 1967. While Mary attended Aakers Business College, he got a job in Grand Forks at Valley Motors. Grandpa Walter was known for stocking his fridge to make sure his boy ate every day, but needless to say Mary always had hot-dish she made at her dorm to keep him fed throughout the week.

Early years found them busy raising their family of four. Eugene started working at Northwood Oil, driving bulk truck, and in the evening farmed with his brother, shared in the dairy, and then started driving for Hannestad Trucking.

In 1992, he finally found his career of choice when he purchased Northwood Lanes and Hot Stuff Pizza.  Also, in 1992, he purchased Cool Stuff as a St. Patrick’s Day gift for his wife. He ran Hot Stuff while Mary ran Cool Stuff.

He loved bowling, shooting pool, and any customer who had a quarter put on the table for a challenge. His brother-in-law Jim’s favorite sweater would make him dizzy and was the reason Jim always won.

He was a faithful fan and loved any event his kids and grandkids played, including volleyball, basketball, and, football and taking them fishing.

Gene was a natural at striking up a conversation with anyone who came through the door. He loved visiting with his customers.

He loved the Lord and desired all his family to know his personal Savior and would often say family is forever.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; Children; Marcy (Keith), Marlo (Cyndi), Melanie (Chuck), and Mia (Dave) all of Northwood.  Grandchildren; Jon (Tina), Michael, AJ, Zach (Katy), Trevor, Chase, Justice, Bailey (Kayse), Kaity, Gabby, Chonda, Joshua, Levi, and Madison. Great Grandchildren; Tryp, Rosemary, Carter, Willow, Bria, Jace, Teague, Aubrey, Hallison, Remi, Cambry, and Paisley.  His brothers Ron (Connie) and Douglas (Debby), sisters, Diane, Sylvia (John), Janice, and Wendy (Butch).

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Arne Trageton and Wayne Anderson, and sister-in-law, Donna Lerol; granddaughters, Alison Marie and baby Alice.

Family, where life begins and love never ends.