I can't tell you all how much joy and comfort your memories of my dad are giving to my mother, brother and me. We all read and appreciate your comments. Thank you so much for taking the time to share them.

When I'm missing my dad most, I read this page, and I feel much better. This system doesn't provide us a way to know your e-mail addresses or reply individually, but thank you, thank you!

Gene was the first publisher I worked for in the newspaper business - I learned a lot from him. We would later work together in financially salvaging a publication and that's where I really learned a lot from him. I can recall being so polarized at times that I simply couldn't make a move. And his advice always stuck with me...."in times like this, do something. Even if it's wrong. Make a decision and go."
Great advice (I have discovered) for most all things, really.
I will always remember him.
He was a newspaper man. The real deal.
Francie Ganje
Sturgis, SD

I have many Mobridge memories of Gene, Margy, and their children. They were active members of our church, and Steve was a good buddy of my brother, Rog. Those were such good years, and the Tribune was a great paper. As an aspiring journalist (at the time), I was fortunate to have such a tremendous model for how a community newspaper should be run. (Frankly, no other paper I've regularly seen since has measured up!) And that was all Gene, and his skills, not just journalistic, but managerial. He hired good people, and everyone who worked for him seemed to do very good work. But my most vivid memory now is of interviewing Gene for an article in the high school paper, Tiger Tales. I was intimidated at the prospect, but remember only an easy and informative conversation. Hmmm . . . I'll bet I can find that article somewhere. I'd like to see what I thought of Gene then, because I know what I think of him now, with the perspective of 40+ years -- he was, as so many other have said, a quiet man, but a man of deep integrity and tremendous ability. I feel privileged to have known him (and his family). All of you are in my prayers.

My deepest sympathy to Margy, Cathy & Steve. Gene hired at the Tribune in 1977 - my first "real" job. Becoming involved in newspapers was a learning experience for me, and Gene was a good boss. The Tribune was a family business for the Chamberlin's, Margy setting type, Cathy working in front and Steve harassing by all the other employees. Looking back I can see that he did so many things right, and because of it he was sucessful. Gene truly understood the importance of newspapers in our society and took opportunities to share that belief with his employees, readers and friends.

I credit a large portion of who I am professionaly to Gene Chamberlin. He hired me at the Mobridge Tribune when I was 21, a wife and mom of two little girls, looking for employment. Both Mr. Chamberlin, Larry Atkinson and Dave Dekker helped me to become an outgoing, confident person who went on to work for a large manufacturing firm in the North Dakota and also runs and owns a rental company. My favorite memory of Gene is when there would be a error or mixup with the Tribune the first thing he would say is "How can that be". Rest in Gene, you were a great man. Margy, Cathy and Steve, take care.

Mary and Steve:

Thinking of you both at this time of loss. As I read his obituary and the tributes people have written, Gene was indeed a remarkable man and left a legacy through the many lives he touched through his passion and commitment to journalism and molding others in this field.

I will be forever grateful, Gene, for your mentoring, guidance and friendship. I cannot help but smile as I recall so many moments shared with you, whether it was in the Tribune newsroom, a Yeager Hall classroom, or your home. I pray that fond memories bring great comfort to Margy, Steve and Mary, Cathy, Doug and Sarah. Peace be with you.

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” _ Unknown

I count Gene and Margy Chamberlin among the most important people in my life – people who helped mold me into the adult I ultimately became. I was honored to be chosen as the Mobridge Tribune intern for the summer of 1985. I had arranged to sublease an apartment, but it wouldn’t be available for several weeks. So, Gene and Margy graciously took me into their home. It was the start of a treasured friendship and a lifelong respect for Gene and Margy as individuals – and for Gene and Margy as a couple.

Gene taught me the importance of community newspapers and how to produce one each week. I can still almost feel my disbelief and disappointment when he calmly, but firmly, told me we couldn’t print any of the photos I had shot at the powwow in Little Eagle because I hadn’t taken the time or made the effort to identify the subjects in my photos. Lesson learned – the hard way. There were many more yet to learn. All were valuable and all of them helped shape who I became as a journalist and as a person.
In their home, Gene and Margy modeled respect, love and a genuine appreciation for and friendship with one another. They, along with Cathy and Steve, included me in their family life. The day I drove my 1972 Ford Galaxy 500 east out of Mobridge to head back for my senior year at South Dakota State University was difficult, to say the least. Three times between Mobridge and Redfield, I had to pull over to the side of the road because I was crying so hard I couldn’t see.
I was blessed to maintain my friendship with the Chamberlins and even more blessed to have them living in Brookings when my husband, Dave, and I moved back there in June 1995. I started graduate school at SDSU and of course, I took Gene’s newspaper management class. It was great fun and again there were many lessons learned. Gene and Dave golfed in a league together. And, when Gene and Margy’s granddaughter, Sarah, would come to visit, she enjoyed pulling our young sons, Will, and Beau, in their wagon.
Henry David Thoreau said: “Let your life speak.” Gene did just that. His legacy lives on in journalism, in the countless journalists he spawned and supported, and in his friends and family. I know that Margy, Steve and Mary, Cathy, Doug and Sarah will be forever proud.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to each of the family members. May God comfort them during their time of sorrow. My memories of Gene are from Mobridge where Steve and I were friends in high school. He has truly touched a lot of lives with his work and efforts.

Remembering the wonderful visits from Gene and Margy to your Canadian family. Sending our love to you all.

He was a very good Grandpa. Thank you for teaching me how to ride a bike. He always loved me no matter what. I enjoyed all of the great times that we had together.

I interned at the Mobridge Tribune in the summer of 1976 and have such vivid memories of Gene and his quiet integrity. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Gene, thanks for always being there for Cathy and me as a couple.

I knew that I was marrying a terrific woman when I married your daughter, but it was a wonderful bonus to get great in-laws as well. Be at peace...

Gene sounds like a wonderful father,grandfather and husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Margy. I will never forget the years I worked at the Mobridge Tribune and the many things this quiet, gentle man taught me. May you find comfort in knowing so many people care and joy in the memories you built together.

Our thoughts and prayers go with Margy and family. Gene and Margy were essential partners in the newspaper business in South Dakota and we, along with many others, are grateful for the years they spent here.

I took Gene's weekly newspaper management class at SDSU when I was a student. It was a terrific class. Learned so much. Principles and practices that apply to all businesses, not just newspapers. Years later, partnered with Gene in a summer golf league in Brookings and had great fun. We didn't win, but we enjoyed every time out!

Gene was a warm, funny, kind man with a passionate interest in the world, and it was a privilege to spend time with him this past year. I'll always remember the way he laughed at Flannery O'Connor's short story, "A Good Man is Hard to Find," and the courage he had to walk in all kinds of weather around the beautiful grounds of Green Hills. The way Gene lived his life was an inspiration to me, especially the love he and Margy shared.

My thoughts and prayers are with Gene's family and friends in this difficult time. May you find peace and respite in each other, as you celebrate the life of a truly good man.

Diana Montoya, caregiver
At Home Care Company

Dad, I'm missing you today. You were a great example for me: as a journalist, a parent, a spouse, a community member and everything else.

I have many fond memories of Gene, including working with him in his management classes at SDSU. My sympathies to you, Margy, and the rest of your family. We have lost a great voice in community newspapering.

I remember Gene when I worked at the Eagle Butte News for Jack Stoner many years ago. He was always a gentleman and a joy to be around. My Sympathy to his family. Marla Lesmeister, Gettysburg, SD

Gene was a tremendous asset to community newspapers, and he spread the good word at many press association meetings throughout the country. All who knew Gene are grateful for his contributions to the industry.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Gene's death. He was one of the best professionals in the community newspaper field. And he was an unforgettable fried. I treasure the time that I and my late wife Elaine were able to spend with Gene, and I'm grateful for the support he gave me when I was seeking election to the National Newspaper Association board.
God bless you Marge.
John Andrist

We were sorry to hear of Gene's passing. A great person and a great community newspaperman, we were privileged to know him.
Dick & Phyllis Nafsinger, Hood River, OR

Our memories of Gene and Margy go back to the early 50s when we shared our Army service at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Gene was then, and continued to be, and outstanding journalist. We were happy to county he and Margy among our friends. Jim and Maribeth Pate, Dallas, TX

I did not personally know Gene but have heard many stories of him from my parents Walter and Margie Mundstock and I know he was a major factor in their ownership of the Redfield Press. I know if they were alive they would express their deepest condolensces to the family and share their memories of him. Sadly my mother Margie Mundstock passed away June 17 of 2009 and cannot do so. On behalf of the Walter Mundstock family I honor the role Gene played in South Dakota Newspapers and express my sympathy to the family. I am sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry to hear of Gene's Passing. He played an important role in the lifes of my folks, Margie and Wally Mundstock and I know if they were alive they would express their deep regret at his passing.

Gene was publisher of the Mobridge (SD) Tribune for 25 years and was a leader not only in his community, but in the newspaper businesses both in our state and nationally. He worked as a national newspaper consultant for many years and helped young struggling journalists realize their dreams of owning their own newspapers. He was also active in promotion of the journalism school at South Dakota State University and led an effort to add on to the existing building and remodel it. For all his efforts in newspapering, Gene was elected to the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame. He was an incredible newspaperman.