Eugene Ringstad, 99 passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Mendota, Illinois after a long and blessed life. Eugene was born on June 10,1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Ruth and Arnt Ringstad. Eugene had one brother, Kenneth, who preceded him in death earlier in 2026. Eugene was married to Donna Marie Gage for over 50 years and is the proud father to Renee, Cathleen, Roberta, James and Thomas. He is survived by Renee, Roberta (Birdie), and James.

Eugene was a lifelong resident of Illinois with brief stints of residency in Philadelphia and Detroit. As a young man, he graduated President of his class from Steinmetz High School in Chicago and went on to serve in the Army at the end of World War II. Taking advantage of the GI Bill after his discharge, Eugene attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois.

Eugene’s career began in support positions to the new and growing computer industry. At the height of his career, Eugene was a top selling salesman at Remington Rand, General Electric, and Honeywell. He placed large main frame computers popular in the era into multiple high level installations across the country and consistently was awarded top Sales Producer.

Later in life, Eugene and his wife Donna had a strong interest in racehorses and eventually purchased a 40 acre farm in Shabbona, Illinois where they raised young thoroughbred horses for racing stock. Living a rural lifestyle, Eugene spent years working on the farm and learned how to take care of the horses, which was obviously an entirely new skill. The hard outdoor work in all kinds of weather certainly played a role in his long life. Eventually, the farm became too difficult to maintain for Eugene and Donna and they sold the property and moved to Paw Paw, Illinois where he lived until his death. The entire extended family was sad to see the Naspirtah farm be sold as it became a wonderful gathering place for holidays and birthdays.

Eugene was the last of a generation and his children, cousins, and nieces and nephews will miss this generous and charming man. He was well loved and his death will leave a hole that we will fill with fond memories.

Eugene will be buried at Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, Illinois. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at noon at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, Mendota Illinois.