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PURTELL -- Dr. Eugene P. (Gene) Purtell, DDS went Home to his Lord on December 14, 2007. He was born May 16, 1923 in Monches, Wisconsin, the youngest of the nine children of Francis and Ellen (Flynn) Purtell, and the seventh son of a seventh son. Gene served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII. On September 20, 1945, he married his sweetheart, Peg. He then began his studies at Marquette University, where he graduated with his Dental degree. Gene and Peg brought their growing family to Albuquerque in 1952, and he began a busy 35-year career in dentistry. Gene was secretary of the New Mexico Dental Association and was presented the Medal of Distinction in recognition of over forty years of outstanding service to dentistry, maintaining a standard by which all future leaders will be judged. He was inducted into the International College of Dentists, a tribute to excellence in his field. He used his knowledge and abilities to serve this community, volunteering his time in the Cleft Palate Clinic and the Head Start Dental Program. He made sure that good dental insurance was available by assisting in bringing about the Delta Dental Plan. Probably his proudest moment was when he was able to convince the City Commission to have fluoride put into the city water system. How many homes heard, and still hear, "Look, Ma! No cavities!" He was an active participant in the parishes to which he belonged, serving as the president of the Parish Council at St. Charles Borromeo and Our Lady of Fatima, as a lector, and a Eucharistic Minister. He was also an active parent in the schools which his eight children attended. He was a man who loved and lived his Catholic faith, cherished his beloved Peg, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and generally relished his life. His wit and sense of humor are well-known to everyone whose life he touched. He was a man of integrity and compassion, a singer of songs, a teller of stories, a player of pranks, a poet, and a writer of "Letters to the Editor." We all miss him more than words can say! Gene was preceded in death by six brothers; one sister; and his beloved daughter-in-law, Cheryl, who will all be happy to greet him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Peg; children, Kate and Richard Prasek, Pat and Sharon Purtell, Peggy and Gene Moser, Nancy Purtell and husband, Bill Quaglia, Brian and Colleen Purtell, Kevin and Barbara Purtell, Tim and Lucy Purtell, and Terry Purtell; 21 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister, Gert Arndorfer; sister-in-law, Nancy, and husband, Charles Ritter; and a host of other family and friends who will miss him greatly. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2007 in the Carlisle Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. also in the chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, morning December 18, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gene's memory to be given to the Serra Club. Funeral Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-884-1188 www.danielsfuneral.com
        Published on: Sun December 16, 2007