Lushinsky’s settle in to life in Mantorville

In 1977 the Lushinsky’s moved to a farm site along the dump road between Kasson and Mantorville. They learned they could not have a mailbox by their driveway as it would be ½ mile away on the county road where their mail was delivered. They got a PO box at the Mantorville Post Office, and have had the same mailing address ever since even though they have lived in different houses in Mantorville through the years.
Their two oldest sons, Paul and Scott, had an interest in the Fire Department and Paul became a member of the Mantorville Fire Department in 1981. At that time, the fire calls came through the telephone and town siren and their phone was added to the department list. Scott could not go on calls but would hang out at the fire hall waiting for the firemen to return. Gene would go to the hall when it was a situation where he thought he might help out. Scott became a department member following his 18th birthday. When Scott got directly involved with the training he put the pressure on Gene to join the department. Gene became a member in 1987 and over the years served as secretary, Fire Marshall, Pumper Captain as well as treasurer for the relief association.
Some of the very memorable events during his time on the fire department were the Relay Station fire in 2007, the plumbing shop by the Mantorville saloon, the Zumbro River and bridge being covered with foam, and trying to find someone that ventured into the river. They had to get the vendors out of the park during Marigold Days after a heavy rain and it became flooded. Gene said it takes a real time commitment for anyone in the Fire Department with the amount of training that is needed, and this has increased over the years, plus everyone is a first responder. He feels our residents are very fortunate that our firefighters, first responders, police, and sheriff departments work close together to help keep us safe. Gene is very proud to have five of his family members in the fire service, and they are also in their work field today saving lives. Gene retired from the fire department in 2012
In 1993, Gene’s department at IBM was undergoing changes in what they were doing, and were also getting into a computer program language Gene was not at all familiar with. The company was starting to cut positions, but his manager told him he could continue to stay, however his employment status could very likely change in the future. Gene decided to take an early retirement, and it turned out very well with the early company retirement package offered compared to what it was in the next staff cuts after that.
Gene had worked on income taxes for people while they lived in California for extra income. He didn’t have time when they moved to Minnesota, being very involved with his company work responsibilities, and also with the family and school activities with their three sons.
When Gene left IBM, he was ready to go back into working with taxes. He took the H & R Block tax course, and started working in a Rochester office and later in the Zumbrota office for a total of 31 years. Gene continued to do some tax work, but he phased out of the business in 2023. Gene also filled in at the Mantorville Post Office as a Postmaster relief position for a few years when needed.
Donna worked at the Mayo Clinic in the eye department, and retired after 20 years. Later she also subbed at a preschool program, and where else would she get hugs each day when working at other jobs compared to the hugs she got from the young students.
Donna joined the Mantorville Restoration Association, and later Gene joined and became president for a time, and he got really involved when he headed up the flea market for Marigold Days for a time.
Gene and Donna have traveled to many of our states across the country, including Alaska and Hawaii, plus went on a trip to Europe with Pastor Curtis and Tess Johnson. Donna also participated with a couple of mission trips to Haiti. Gene and Donna have been active members of St John’s Lutheran Church for many years, and Gene has served on the church council among his many volunteer activities.
Donna will do some reading with historical novels such as the Lewis and Clark expeditions and history events that happen in Minnesota. She likes to sew, quilt, cook and bake. Gene will spend time on the computer, and sometimes wonders if those machines really save us that much time compared to paper and pencil after all. They have a Labradoodle dog that goes to doggie daycare a couple of times each week for socializing and exercise. Gene and Donna do not want to take their dog out for a walk when the streets are icy or slippery.
Gene and Donna have three sons, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and are fortunate that they grew up in this area and some of them still live here. They really care about children and enjoy being around young people.
When they moved to Rochester 50 years ago, the population was about 54,000 and it felt like it was a small town compared to living in California. When they came to Kasson and Mantorville, it was again smaller and much quieter. They would have a hard time moving back to the communities where they used to live once again.