Genie Svihl, 59, formerly of Dickinson, died Sunday, May 28, 2017 at her home in Surprise, Ariz. Visitation will be Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service at 7 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2017 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson.
Eugenie “Genie” Francine was born on October 3, 1957 to Eugene and Arlene (Zimmerman) Wilhelm. While being raised in Dickinson, Genie and her siblings spent much of their time with her Aunt Sophie and Uncle John Kaip, who held a special place in Genie’s heart. Her birthdays were celebrated with her dear Aunt Sophie Wilhelm, they had a special connection. During the summer months she would often stay at the Zimmerman Farm near Taylor with her Grandma Elizabeth Zimmerman and her aunt and uncle, Fabian and Minerva Zimmerman. If necessary she would even hop a train to get to the farm. She attended high school at Trinity and graduated in 1975. From there she went on to have a career in the dental industry; first as a dental assistant and working her way up to office manager at different dental offices. In June of 1979 she married the love of her life, Rocky Svihl and together they raised their two children, Kris and Heather. She was able to take an early retirement in 2000 and in 2012 Genie and Rocky moved to the warm weather in Surprise, Ariz.
Genie was loved by everyone she met, whether it was friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends of her children, or even a stranger who needed a helping hand. Genie and Rocky’s home was a place where anyone could stay without question. Many times, Genie was the first person someone would turn to for advice or when they needed a genuine hug and a trusted confidant. She loved all four of her grandsons immensely, and would sing Beautiful Boy to them as they slept. She also had a huge heart for dogs and her children do not remember a time without a dog being part of the family. Genie and Rocky loved to travel to Mexico. Her favorite place was in the sun, on the sand, listening to the ocean.
Genie is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Rocky R. Svihl; son, Kristopher (Allyson) Svihl and their sons Jacob and Karson, Bellefontaine, Ohio; daughter, Heather (Nicholas) Dressler and their sons, Kannon and Holden, Dickinson; father, Eugene Wilhelm; sister, Beth Wilhelm and brother, Jay Wilhelm.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Wilhelm; father-in-law, Benjamin Svihl and mother-in-law, Betty Svihl.
Genie is lovingly remembered by her god children, Katie Jalbert and Justin Wilhelm-Lorenz; numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins and all of the friends that she opened her heart too.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to CHI St. Alexius Hospice, Dickinson.
