Gene Earl Whittington, age 73, of Hayfield, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Campus, in Rochester, MN.
Gene was born on August 10, 1953, in Rochester, MN, to Earl and Evelyn (Mogen) Whittington. He graduated from Hayfield High School in 1971. On January 6, 1974, he was united in marriage to Debra Braaten in Blooming Prairie, MN. Together, they raised two children, Kristie and Dustin in Hayfield.
Gene spent his early years helping his dad on the farm before becoming self-employed. After his dad passed away, Gene and Debra moved to the family farm, where they continued building their life and raising their family. Gene was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield.
Gene had many interests and enjoyed staying busy. Over the years, he bought and sold many cars and trucks, along with a few horses. He took great pride in keeping his yard and vehicles tidy and well cared for. He loved camping, boating, fishing, NASCAR, stock car races, and trips to the casino. He had a special love for all things Chevrolet and John Deere. He also enjoyed watching The Andy Griffith Show and old westerns.
Most of all, Gene cherished his family. He loved his wife, Debra, with all his heart, and their 52 years of marriage were filled with love and countless memories. He treasured the time he spent with his children and granddaughters and could often be found attending their events and showing his support. Gene was proud of his family and especially enjoyed watching his granddaughters grow and being a part of their lives. The memories they created together will be treasured forever.
Although Gene was an only child, he was blessed with a large extended family through his marriage to Debra. The Braaten family became much more than in-laws to him—they became true family and, more importantly, true friends. The years of memories, laughter, gatherings, and time spent together meant so much to Gene, and he was grateful for each of them.
Gene was also blessed with several truly special friends throughout his life. Their friendship, loyalty, and shared memories meant a great deal to him, and he treasured the time they spent together.
Gene will be remembered for his love of family, his many interests, his spitfire nature, and the memories he created with the people he loved. He leaves behind a lifetime of moments that will continue to be shared and remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Evelyn Whittington; and his father- and mother-in-law, Roger and Berniece Braaten.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debra Whittington; his children, Kristie (Jason) Augustin and Dustin (Briana) Whittington; his grandchildren, Ashley Augustin (Rafe), Emily Augustin, Addison Augustin, Izola Whittington, and Helena Whittington; as well as many loving members of the Braaten family, extended family, and friends.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 1st St SE in Hayfield, MN Rev. Kristen Anderson officiated. Visitation was held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield, MN and one hour prior to his service at the church on Friday. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, MN.
To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota, 507-477-2259. Blessed be his memory.
