Eugene C. "Gene" Goebel

Eugene (Gene) C. Goebel was born February 1, 1942 in Denver, Colorado to Joe and Velma (Secrest) Goebel. He departed this life surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at his home in Franklin.

Gene attended school at Inavale, Riverton and Franklin, Nebraska. Following his days in school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in Smith Center, Kansas.

In 1963 Gene met the love of his life Bonnie Janssen. They married on June 7, 1964 at the United Methodist Church in Franklin, Nebraska and their marriage was blessed with three children: Mark, Chris and Sharlene. 

During his life Gene worked in various occupations including the City of Franklin, for Webster County, Blank Motor Company, Val-Co Agriculture, then had his own small engine repair shop in Bloomington. When he decided to close up his own shop, he went to work driving a truck for CPI until he retired.

Gene was passionate about many so called “hobbies”; he loved repairing anything especially those John Deere tractors, he really enjoyed playing the guitar (self-taught) and for over ten years he played with the group “Sons of the Soil”; his gardening was legendary and sharing with his friends the fruits of his labor along with his home ground horseradish. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and shared this passion with his family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; sister Melberta Nyburg and husband Eldon; brothers Clinton Goebel, Leo Goebel and wife Janette. He will be forever remembered by his wife of 60 years Bonnie; sons Mark and Chris (Mary) Goebel; daughter Sharlene Burkholder (Greg); grandchildren Brandon Goebel (Kaitlin) and Brittany (Tyler Torres); great grandchildren Everly Goebel and Raelynn Torres also LadyBug his faithful Blue Heeler. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00pm Monday, December 23, 2024 at Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska with Pastor Kasey Loschen officiating. Burial will follow in Riverton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Riverton or Franklin Fire Departments.