Meet Eugene
Born and raised on a small farm in northern Minnesota, Eugene grew up without electricity or many of the conveniences we take for granted today. His childhood was filled with woodstove heat, hard work, long winters, and the faith every farmer needed to survive: faith in God, faith in the land, and faith that tomorrow would bring another opportunity to begin again.
Eugene looks back on those years with gratitude. Growing up in a large family and a close-knit rural community taught him the importance of hard work, perseverance, faith, and looking out for one another. Life was not always easy, but there was always something to be grateful for.
Throughout his life, Eugene has worn many hats, working as a draftsman, salesman, school bus driver, bookkeeper, business owner, pastor, community volunteer, and more. But perhaps his greatest role has been that of husband and father. He and his wife, Joyce, have built a life centered around family, raising 15 children and enjoying the many grandchildren who have followed.
Today, Eugene and Joyce live in Menahga, Minnesota, just north of the area where Eugene grew up. He enjoys spending time with his family, visiting with friends and neighbors, and reflecting on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his life.
Meet Eugene
Born and raised on a small farm in northern Minnesota, Eugene grew up without electricity or many of the conveniences we take for granted today. His childhood was filled with woodstove heat, hard work, long winters, and the faith every farmer needed to survive: faith in God, faith in the land, and faith that tomorrow would bring another opportunity to begin again.
Eugene looks back on those years with gratitude. Growing up in a large family and a close-knit rural community taught him the importance of hard work, perseverance, faith, and looking out for one another. Life was not always easy, but there was always something to be grateful for.
Throughout his life, Eugene has worn many hats, working as a draftsman, salesman, school bus driver, bookkeeper, business owner, pastor, community volunteer, and more. But perhaps his greatest role has been that of husband and father. He and his wife, Joyce, have built a life centered around family, raising 15 children and enjoying the many grandchildren who have followed.
Today, Eugene and Joyce live in Menahga, Minnesota, just north of the area where Eugene grew up. He enjoys spending time with his family, visiting with friends and neighbors, and reflecting on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his life.
Eugene first became inspired to write his stories when his children gave him a Storybook program to help him put his life experiences into words.
“I wrote about my life from childhood until now, over 400 pages,” he said. “It took half a year to write! The kids and grandchildren enjoyed it so much, it encouraged me to take some of the stories, expand them a bit and turn them into these storybooks.”
How It Began..
Eugene Kumpula
Grandpa, Tell Us About The Good Old Days
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