Eugene Earl

Moeller

Eugene Earl Moeller started his journey on October 23, 1954, in Huron, SD. Born to Margaret and Richard, he grew up on the family farm near St. Lawrence, SD. His young days were filled with plenty of chores, but also fun and mischief with his two older brothers, Marcus and Lester. He learned the value of hard work, a love for life on the farm, and how to remember the order of every card played in a game of pitch.

After graduating from Miller High School, he earned his degree in agriculture education at South Dakota State University, which started a lifelong enthusiasm for the Jackrabbits. It was rare for him to miss a game or leave the house without sporting a Jacks' logo.

More importantly, while at SDSU he went on a blind date with Marilyn Luckhurst. Despite the insanity of the film choice (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), the two made sense together and were married August 20, 1977. When it started to sprinkle on their outdoor ceremony, John Denver's lyric "I'll walk in the rain by your side" came true sooner than they likely anticipated.

In a few years, the couple moved to Huron and eventually bought their own piece of the prairie. In addition to farming, Eugene held various side jobs to support the growing family as two boys were added, Jackson and Curtis. Despite his work schedule, he was a devoted dad and eagerly participated in church, 4-H, music, and sports activities. Snow days were an excuse for cookie baking, homecoming a reason to get back to SDSU, Sundays a chance to catch up with friends, and anytime was good for chores.

After the boys had graduated, Eugene and Marilyn heard a new call - one to ministry as pastors. Bravely leaving the life they had built and known, they enrolled as Licensed Local Pastors in the United Methodist Church, having been drawn to the denomination by Wesley's focus on grace. This work took them to Arlington, Lake Preston, Webster, Bristol, and Florence in South Dakota; Mohall, Sherwood, and Bowbells in North Dakota; and finally to California, MO to be closer to Jackson and his wife Lorena, and their sons Andrés and Lucas. Curtis and his husband, Jack, followed shortly behind, reuniting the family in the same state.

Retirement came a few years later, though in short order he transitioned to part-time pastor for Central Grove and Smith Creek UMC churches. The couple excitedly moved into a home of their own outside Troy, MO, which gave the blessing of more time with the family, as they went regularly to St. Louis for sports, school concerts, dinners at HuHot, and even to provide driving lessons. He fought through a cancer diagnosis with determination, but a series of medical issues led to the end of his earthly travels on Jan. 22, 2026, with his family at his side.

A visitation for Pastor Gene Moeller will be held from 4:30pm-7:30pm with a 6:30pm time of Prayer and Sharing at Martin Funeral Home, 510 E. Main St., Warrenton, MO 63383. A 10:00am Funeral Service will be held at Central Grove United Methodist Church, 35569 State Hwy A, Warrenton, MO 63383.

Memorial donations will go toward Agape (agapemo.org), a food pantry, and job and housing assistance organization for residents of Warren County, MO. Please send to Martin Funeral Home for processing or notify the family so they can honor your gift.
Online condolences may be made at martinfuneral.net.