Thursday July 10, 2025
Gene Pelowski
Gene Pelowski who lives in Winona has been named to the 2025 Hall of Fame for long time efforts not only an educator, but for service to the State of Minnesota as a legislator in the House of Representatives.
From 1975 to 2012 Pelowski taught American Government, World History and coached debate at Winona Senior High School. In addition he has also served as advisor to the Winona Model Legislator from 1975 to present day. He has been adjunct faculty at Winona State University from 1990 to 2024 teaching Social Studies.
If there is one thing that Pelowski is most known for it would be his 38 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving his constituency of the Winona area. During that time he was part of or chaired committees including the Technology Committee, Higher Education Finance Committee, Rules Reform Committee and Government Operations, just to name a few.
The residents of Southeastern Minnesota can be grateful to Pelowski for the work he did during a special session in 2007 to sponsor legislation that brought $153 million in relief to this area due to record flooding.
Gene and his late wife Deborah were married 54 years when she passed away suddenly in October 2024. Their children include Gene Pelowski III (wife Deborah and grandchildren Abigail and Nicholas) and son Ryan Pelowski.
“ Five generations of the Pelowski family have lived in Winona County and soon to be six generations… Winona County is home!” says Pelowski about his connection to Winona County.