Eugene P. Juhl was born on February 9, 1940, in Carroll, Iowa, to Walter and Violet (Paulsen) Juhl. Eugene spent his entire life on the family farm near Irwin. He began his education at Polk Township Country School, located across the road from his home. When a teacher could not be secured for the country school, he continued his education in Irwin. Eugene graduated from Irwin-Kirkman High School with the Class of 1958.