Eugene "Gene" Malard

Eugene (Gene) Malard, 89, Moffit, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 17, at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 806 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00, Monday, June 16, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 18, at the Menoken Cemetery.

Gene was born on December 24, 1935 the son of Charles and Hazel (Brown) Malard. His birth was the Christmas present for the large family that year. He was raised on the family farm southeast of Bismarck and attended Telfer Country School.

On November 19, 1960 he married Mary Mills, daughter of William and Ellen Mills, of Moffit at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Bismarck. Gene served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1962 with the 164th Engineer Battalion. Gene worked for the Holden Family’s Dakota Welding & Supply in Bismarck for many years.

Farming and raising cattle on Mary’s childhood family farm was Gene’s priority and his passion. In spring he would delight in picking the first crocus from the fields. Gene had a soft spot for all animals. It was common to have bottle fed calves in the house. He always had a dog by his side. He loved to spoil his dogs with Oreo cookies.

Gene had a kind heart and a joking attitude. He loved to tease but did it with a heart of gold. He never lost his sense of humor. He was the ‘favorite uncle’ to many nieces and nephews.

The kitchen was one of Gene’s favorite places to be. He was an amazing cook and baker of pies. Gene and Mary loved to spend time in the garden tending to the produce.

Gene loved hunting. He taught his children, grandchildren and nephews how to hunt. Hunting often included eating fried egg sandwiches while scoping for deer.

Gene was a collector of Western-style belt buckles. Family and friends would collect them for him when they traveled.

Gene will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His kids and grandkids were the loves of his life. He was very proud of their many accomplishments and encouraged them to take opportunities. He cared about all of those around him and was there to help anyone.

Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary; daughters Darcy (Chad) Johnson, Dawn Malard; son Daren (DeNica) Malard; grandchildren: Daysha Malard, Dylan Malard, Addison Johnson, Elijah Malard; brother: Elroy (Tina) Malard; sister: Eunice (Kenny) Rants; sister-in-law Leah Malard; brother-in-law Wayne Gable; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Irene (Martin) Miller, Marie (Larry) Harr, Evelyn (Leo) Clooten, Norma (Richard) Olson, Anna (Gene) Gabel, Bertha (Julius) Meier, Charline Gabel; three infant sisters Beatrice and twins, Katherine and Caroline; brother, Leon Malard; and sisters-in-law, Peg (Andy) Scherr and Sally (Wilbur) Frank.