Eugene Nordquist, 80, formerly of Beresford, SD died Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Morningside Care Center in Alcester. Memorial Mass will be 10AM Saturday, Jan. 8th at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Beresford.

Gene was born in Beresford, SD January 13, 1930 to Albert and Margaret (Reinartz) Nordquist. He was raised in Beresford and graduated from Beresford High School before attending USD in Vermillion. He was drafted into the US Army and played French horn in the Army Band and was in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, Gene graduated from the Ray Vogue Schools in Chicago and Parsons School of Design in New York and also studied at the Arts Institute of Technology and the Art Students League in New York.

Gene, known as Mr. Geno in the industry, was the designer for Louis Goldstein and Company in New York. He traveled extensively showing his collections and assisted both Mrs. Richard Nixon and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson in wardrobe selection. Gene was vice president of Goldsteins and also served on the board of directors of the corporation.

He lived in the New York area for 50 years. Gene and his friend, Jack, raised and showed Yorkshire Terriers for many years. He returned to live at Bethesda of Beresford in June of 2009.

Survivors include his sister, Donna Manning of Beresford; sister-in-law, Jeanne Nordquist of Beresford; special friend, Jack Moffitt of Englewood, NJ and 20 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Tom, and sister, Betty.