Eugene John Colville ,76, of Valley City, ND died following an accident on May 14, 2025 at his residence.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21st at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20th from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Tuesday evening at the church.  Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery.  An online guestbook and livestream of Eugene’s service will be available at www.lerudmathias.com. 

Eugene was born in Valley City on June 28, 1948, the fourth of five children, to Eleanor (Zaun) Colville and Burton Eugene Colville.  Gene grew up and attended school in Valley City.  He worked various construction jobs and drove school bus.  Gene will be remembered by many Valley City residents as the proud owner of the local Exhaust Pros muffler shop for 25 years.  His interest in cars and all things with wheels was evident in his work and the authentic way he conducted his business. He was a hard worker, dedicated to giving his best to whatever the task might be.

Gene leaves family and friends with countless cherished memories.  He will be remembered in the hearts of family and friends for his many interests. He thoroughly enjoyed derby racing, participating in a pool league with Casey, churning out woodworking projects for his wife and daughters, and he loved to fish, especially with his sister, Gail, when she would visit from California.  He was always willing to share his catch with friends and family. Gene had an infectious laugh, a wry sense of humor, a great smile, and a big heart. The world is a lesser place without him.

Left to mourn Gene’s passing are his wife and the love of his life for 35 years, Jacqueline (Jewett) Colville; their daughter, Abby (Dillon) Rickford; newborn granddaughter, Lucy Ana Rickford, who filled her grandfather’s heart with love and joy at her birth five short days prior to his death; he will forever be missed by his stepdaughter, Natasha (Brent) Kelm and grandson, Taylor Hehr;  his brother, Keith (Susan) Colville of Valley City; a sister, Shari (Lloyd) Fassett of Loudon, Tennessee; special nephew, Casey (Tallie) Colville of Valley City; several other nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Paul Henke and Al Larson.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Grace Martens Colville; a brother, Stephen Edward Colville; and a sister, Gail Marie McGehee.