Eugene "Gene" Neal Peterka
Eugene “Gene” Neal Peterka, 79, passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kan,, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 26, 1937 on the family farm in Lincoln County, Kan. to the late Victor and Theresa (Farney) Peterka. He grew up and attended the Margaret one room school house and Wilson High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy serving aboard several ships, his most memorable being the USS Midway.
Gene was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lorene Small on Oct. 29, 1960, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. They were blessed with four children, Kevin, Tom, Rhonda, and Sonya.
After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home to wear many different hats over his lifetime. He was proud of being an over the road truck driver, self-employed plumber, roustabout, and family handyman. He was a member of the American Legion, was a KU Basketball fan, enjoyed working on the farm, playing Pinochle with friends, and hanging out with the morning coffee group. But the thing that brought him the greatest joy of all was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Gene is survived by his children, Kevin Peterka and wife, Lerma, of Oceanside, Calif,; Tom Peterka of Paola, Rhonda Widows of Albert, Sonya Wolfe and husband, Kent, of Hutchinson; brother, Don Peterka and wife, Alice, of Wilson; sisters, JoAnn Steinle of Wilson, Loy Anchutz and husband Mert of Wilson, Kathleen Merkel and husband, Dr. Earl, of Russell; brother-in-law Roy Shaw of Wilson; grandchildren Geoffrey Remudaro and wife, Angie; Mari Shiffield and husband, Donte; Timothy Peterka, Nicole Barrera and husband, Jesse; Nathan Peterka and wife, Lindsey; Haley Jo Peterka, Heidi Hintenach and husband, Tom; Brandon Widows and wife, Teresa; Andrea Ruggels and husband, Alec; and Dakota Wolfe; 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Theresa Peterka, wife, Lorene Peterka, sister, Elaine Shaw, and brother-in-law, Leonard Steinle.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Foster Mortuary in Wilson, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at the mortuary. Burial will follow in the Wilson City Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion or the Excelsior Lighted Cross and may be sent in care of Foster Mortuary, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, Kan. 67490. Online condolences may be left at www.fostermortuary.com