Gene “Geno” B. Nerad, 46, of Owatonna, passed away very peacefully on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.

He was born Sept. 15, 1965, in Albert Lea, the son of Donald and Barbara (Mowery) Nerad. He grew up north of Myrtle and graduated from Austin High School in 1984. He then attended college at Winona State. He worked as the general manager of the Holiday Inn in Winona. He then moved to Austin where he worked at IBI Data in Brownsdale. He married Tammy Sens on Aug. 2, 2003, in Albert Lea. He then began working at Jostens, and they moved to Owatonna in 2005.

Geno had a huge heart. He was a lover of God, life and all living things. He was the first to lend a hand, a kind word, or a huge smile. He loved spending time with friends and always quick with a story or a joke. He loved to laugh and make those around him laugh. He touched the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Nerad, of Owatonna; his mother, Barbara Nerad, of Owatonna; his beloved dog, Trixie; and his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Nerad, and grandparents.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Family Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Family Church in Owatonna with Tim Peterson officiating. Private interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery near Myrtle.

The wind blows where it pleases, you hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going so it is with everyone born of the spirit. (John 3:8.)