Eugene R. "Beanie" Bjoin

STOUGHTON- Eugene R. "Beanie" Bjoin, age 89, and lifelong resident of Stoughton, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was born on March 27, 1928, the son of Clarence and Gertrude Bjoin. His nickname, "Beanie" came from, bean shooter, a popular toy that was enjoyed by Beanie when he was a young boy. He honorably served in World War II, aboard the Navy Destroyer, USS Ernest G. Small. Beanie continued his active duty in the Korean War, there; he completed his distinguished service, and returned home. Beanie's grandparents, Halvor and Clara Bjoin, operated a successful livery barn. Together the Bjoin's and their growing family raised and rented out their horses to the community. A prosperous business that was active from 1905, until the 1920's. Beanie's father also forged his own career path, and built his thriving trucking business. Upon his release from the U.S. Navy, Beanie joined his father in the trucking profession. He launched Bjoin Transfer in Stoughton, and Ward Bros. Transfer and Storage in Madison. Beanie ran both establishments with immense pride and was grateful for all the opportunities they brought him and his family. He retired happily in 1987. Beanie was a tremendous advocate for the Stoughton community.  He served on the Stoughton City Council and Stoughton Fire Department.   He was an active member of the Stoughton Lions Club, the American Legion Post No. 59, Masonic Lodge No. 73 F. &A.M., Madison Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Zor Shrine. He also extended his support and knowledge to the Dane County Board of Supervisors. Beanie's daily routine would begin at Fosdal Home Bakery, in Stoughton. Those mornings with Kent, Dick and other friends were sometimes spent flipping quarters over who had to pay, he would then get together with Bill and Myron before lunch, then making it back to Fosdal's in the afternoon, for additional coffee and fellowship. He enjoyed traveling, and was grateful to be a part of the 2013 Badger Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. Beanie also ventured to Japan with the Phoenix Lions Club. For the past 30 years, Beanie spent his winters in Arizona, where he was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church; he leaves behind several dear friends, Dan N., Paul and Jewell R. and Pastor Stoney of Mount Olive. Beanie was an enthusiastic Badger football and Green Bay Packers fan. Gene is survived by his sister, Gretchen (Tom) Hennessy; niece, Bridget (Don Gammon) Hennessy; and cousin's Paul (Kathy) Bjoin and Mary Schultz. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Bjoin; his mother, Gertrude (Donald) Witz; and cousins, Mike Bjoin, and Howard (Monyieene) Bjoin. A memorial service will be held at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 310 East Washington St. Stoughton, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 26, 2018, with the Rev. Richard Halom presiding, with military services by Stoughton American Legion. A luncheon will immediately follow at the AMERICAN LEGION POST No. 59, 803 N. Page St. Stoughton. Private burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Hwy 51 at Jackson St. Stoughton, on Friday May 25, 2018, from 4 p.m. with Stoughton Fire Dept. Memorial Service at 6:15 p.m., followed by Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Stoughton START Program, or the Stoughton Food Pantry.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Hwy. 51 Stoughton (608) 873-4590