Gene Drewitz

of Rapid City, formerly of Wall, South Dakota, died on Monday, March 6, 2023
at Monument Health in Rapid City at the age of 58

It is with heavy hearts and bittersweet admiration that the Drewitz family announces the passing of Gene Lanne Drewitz, 58, of Rapid City, formerly of Wall, South Dakota, from this world on March 6, 2023. A loyal father, dedicated son, and devoted friend to many, Gene passed away after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Gene was born June 7, 1964 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, the son of Marilyn and Alvin Drewitz. An athlete and member of Glee Club and choir, Gene graduated from Wall High School in 1983, where he held the school shot-put record up until 1997 and the discus until 1995. He then attended Dakota State University and Black Hills State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a passion guided by his desire to understand others, but if we’re honest, he should have majored in comedy.

After college, he returned home to Wall, where he worked closely with his family and met Misty Drewitz, his companion and the mother to his children Hannah and Haden, born in 1996 and 1999. Their children remained the lifelong building blocks of their relationship. As a father, he was dedicated to providing for his family and made sure all of his time was spent maintaining warmth and love in his home along with a lot of laughs. His later years were spent working, hunting, playing with his furry companion, Holly, and bringing laughter and light to all around with a quick joke or a compliment. Gene loved to make everyone around feel special and he did it with ease.

His love reached far beyond his family, and his compassion for others lasted until the end of his life. From a friendly smile around the community, to prayer with the members of Rock Point Church in Rapid City, he always made sure that those around him felt loved and heard and caught a quick joke when someone’s spirits needed lifted.

Gene is remembered by his children: Hannah and Haden Drewitz; friend and mother of his children, Misty Drewitz; mother, Marilyn Drewitz; sisters Gina (Matt) Brekhus and Gwen (Steve) Fuelling; nieces: Molly, Brittany, Caitlin, and Alissa; nephews: Jakob and Teddy; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Alvin.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday, March 11, at the Community Center in Wall.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Community Center.

Private family interment will follow at the Wall Cemetery.

Service Details

VISITATION
Saturday, March 11, 2023 - 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Community Center
Wall, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday, March 11, 2023 - 11:00 a.m.
Community Center
Wall, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Tim Stuen

MUSIC
Alma Crosbie - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
“How Great Thou Art”
Special Music
Clayton Ryan - Vocalist
“The Old Rugged Cross”

USHERS
Scott Anderson - Jeremy Heideman

PALLBEARERS
Haden Drewitz - Steve Fuelling - Edward Brekhus
Will Willuweit - Austin Alton - Taylor Hise

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota

Guest Book

So very sorry to hear about Gene I do remember he always had a smile on his face,he truly will be missed
   ~ Thyran Thiry Rapid City (3/8/2023)
Misty, Hannah and Hayden and Gene's family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish all the wonderful memories. The Olsons, Jr.. and Carol
   ~ Jr. and Carol Olson Faith SD (3/12/2023)
My deepest sympathies to the family's.
   ~ Tina (Mettler) Carstensen Tampa, FL (3/12/2023)
Gene's picture here pretty much tells the story. Even through adversity, Gene has that contagious smile and those kind eyes. What a gentle giant! I will miss seeing Gene and hearing him say "Hey Marty" followed by uplifting conversation. A classmate all through our school years and a friend forever! Gene, you will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know you! RIP my friend!
   ~ Marty Huether Wall (3/10/2023)
I knew Gene very well up until he was about 17. Such a sweet kid. He was always happy and sincere. I remember talking to him about Al (Wall legend) being sick and he was so forthright and open. Great kid. Sure did love his Dad. Very sad to have outlived him. Condolences to the family, who were all working at WD at some point and were a staple in Wall. So sorry Marilyn that you have to deal with this tragedy. God Bless. P
   ~ Pat Hustead Denver, CO (3/8/2023)
We are so sorry to hear of Gene passing. Prayers for the whole family.
   ~ Thomas Carmichael Oakland, NE (3/8/2023)
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Prayers for the family
   ~ Ronda Hamann Wall, SD (3/8/2023)
So sorry to hear the news of Gene’s passing. He put a smile on many faces as he moved through the county offices on a daily basis. He loved to share stories and news of what was going on with his family. He was a good guy.
   ~ KJ and Mike Peterson Gold Canyon AZ (3/11/2023)
My condolences go out to the family as they grieve. Everyone just has to remember that easy going guy that we all knew since high school. I'm sad I won't see him this year for our 40th class reunion but thoughts and prayers will be there!
   ~ Barry Severson Gilbert, AZ (3/8/2023)
Gene will ALWAYS be remembered as a very loving, jolly, and huggable man. Whether it was running into him at karaoke or out and about, he valued his time with others even in quick passing. I'm very saddened to hear of his smile leaving this world, but joyful that he can be reunited with other family members or friends that have left before him. I'm also happy he is no longer suffering. Much love to the family and friends he leaves behind. Celebrate his life and honor what he gave to everyone else's. 💜
   ~ April Silva Rapid City, SD (3/8/2023)
Misty, Hannah and Hayden, So sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
   ~ Diane Small chandler, AZ (3/7/2023)

Flowers

Image
Your Cousin Sherri, Mike, and Family
Image
Schuler Family: Aunt Janet, Ginger, Rhonda, and Laura
Image
Rick, Patt, and Sarah Hustead
Image
City of Wall
Image
Arlan and Susan Geigle
Image
Class of 83
Image
Grandma Connie, Grandpa Dennis, Brandy, Dean, Danny, Philip, and Misty
Image
Mike and Pam Gross and Pat and Pam Gross
Image
Barry Severson and Family
Image
Lorraine Fauske, Alice Richter, Don Brown, Gene and Alma Crosbie, Fred and Doris Eisenbraun, and Families
Image
PQH
Image
Image
Karel Reiman Family
Image
Wal Economic Development