Samuel Genereux, 88, died Monday, December 21, 2009 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 PM, Monday, December 28, 2009 at St. Bernards Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will be at St. Bernards Catholic Cemetery, Thief River Falls.

Visitation will be 3 " 6 PM, Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with a 5 PM prayer service and also for one hour prior to the service at the church, Monday.

Samuel Joseph Genereux was born on April 24, 1921 in Terrebonne, MN the youngest of 8 children born to Edward and Mary Ann (LeBlanc) Genereux. He was so small when he was born that he fit into a cigar box. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Terrebonne, MN. Sam attended country school near Terrebonne through the 8th grade and graduated from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls in 1940.

Sam entered into service with the United States Army during World War II. He served in the European Theatre including Germany, France, Switzerland, and in Africa. Sam earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his service. Following his Honorable Discharge, Sam returned to the Red Lake Falls area.

He met Deloris Flage at the Jewel Tavern in Red Lake Falls and this relationship led to their marriage on November 28, 1946. They were married in Minneapolis, MN at the Incarnation Catholic Church. They made their home on a farm just south of Brooks, MN where he and Deloris farmed for several years, and Sam also worked at the Brooks Cheese Factory. Sam lost his right hand in a corn picker accident.

In 1969 Sam and Deloris moved to Thief River Falls, MN where they continued to live. This relationship was blessed with three adopted children, Thomas, Patricia and Lawrence.

Throughout the years Sam worked in the Insurance Industry. He worked with the National Farmers Union Insurance Company. In the mid-1970s, Sam was the nations top sales agent for two years. At that time he also earned the Million Dollar Award for selling life insurance for two years. In 1985 he went independent until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 75, after 40 years of selling. Sam was always looking out for the best interest of his customers. They were his friends as well as his customers.

Over the years, Sam enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, watching the Twins and Vikings, attending Lees games, and Prowler games, doing yard work, watching his grandkids grow up, and always took the time to visit. He was a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls where he served as an usher; he was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus; he was also a member of the American Legion Post and VFW Post in Thief River Falls and a member of the Goodridge Lions Club.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Deloris; daughter, Patty (Lonnie) Mott; son, Lee (fianc, Kim Panek) Genereux all of Thief River Falls; 7 grandchildren, Brent, Ryan, Angie, Aaron, Sebastian, Tayler, and Lindsey; 4 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by son, Tom; grandson, Aric; parents; brothers & sisters, Harmidas, Joe, George, Arthur, Victoria, Sister Lucy Ann, and Grace.

Organist: Kristi LaSalle
Cantor: Shelly Burkel
Casketbearers: Lee Genereux, Kermit Genereux, Jeff Genereux, David Genereux, Van Kalinoski, Francis Genereux
Honorary Casketbearers: Sams Grandchildren
Military Honors: Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117 & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793