Mr. Eugene "Gene" Muehlenthaler

Eugene William was born August 1, 1931 to John and Augusta Muehlenthaler in Sheldahl, IA. He was baptized and confirmed in the faith at Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman, IA. He spent most of his school years in Ankeny and graduated from Ankeny High School in 1949. In the summer of that year he was stricken with Polio and was hospitalized for 6 months at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. In June of 1952 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Chesnut and they were blessed with 2 children, Jill and Jack. Gene spent most of his working years (43) selling cars at various dealerships in and around Ankeny; Ankeny Motors (Ford), Jerry Bucklin Chevrolet, Dale Miller Ford and Beneventi Chevrolet and in Des Moines as Used Car Sales Manager for Bob Brown Chevrolet. After retirement, he and Phyllis spent many enjoyable winters in Mesa, AZ to escape the cold and snow in Iowa. Gene enjoyed coffee with his many friends, and he was an avid NASCAR fan, both live and on TV. He also enjoyed playing cards and he and Phyllis played in the same card club for nearly 60 yrs. Gene enjoyed sending greeting cards to friends and family and did so often, (15 to 20 per month) and enclosed personal notes in each. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children, Jill (Don) Price of Ankeny and Jack Muehlenthaler of San Francisco; 2 grandchildren, D.J. (Deanna) Price and Angela Price and a great granddaughter, Kayleigh Price, all of Ankeny; 1 sister, Shirley (Francis) Carr and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John. Memorials may be directed to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.