Gene Kallenberger

Gene Kallenberger, 90, of Norborne, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Hardin. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with burial immediately afterward at Hardin Cemetery. Gene wanted everyone to be comfortable at his service-jeans and overalls are welcome.
Gene was born in Lake View, Missouri, in a farmhouse in Ray County to Frances (Gilmore) and Willard Kallenberger. He graduated from Hardin Central High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957 as a Machinist Mate First Class.
Following his military service, Gene worked for over 40 years as an electrician and HVAC technician with Alvin's Heating and Cooling, where his strong work ethic and reliability earned him great respect. He attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church of Norborne and was a dedicated member of the Hardin American Legion Auxiliary Post 487. On November 6, 1959, at Inner City Church in Independence, Missouri, Gene was united in marriage to Iris, and together they were blessed with three children: Cris, Elaine, and Daryl. Gene and Iris shared sixty-three years of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
Gene was known for his kind heart, honesty, and hard-working nature. He had a deep love for music, often singing and playing his guitar, and enjoyed spending time fishing-especially with his Labor Day fishing crew. Gene was rarely seen without his signature overalls, which became a fitting symbol of his down-to-earth spirit and dedication to a life well-lived.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Iris Kallenberger; his son, Daryl Kallenberger; his brother, Milo Kallenberger; and his sister, Leola Winfrey.
He is survived by his son, Cris (Lois) Kallenberger; his daughter, Elaine (Randy) Burnett; three grandchildren, Taylor Burnett (Kirsten), Michael Kallenberger (Libby), and Sawyer Kallenberger; and three great-granddaughters, Vera and Blake Kallenberger, and Madelyn Burnett. He is also survived by his brother, Alvin Kallenberger and companion Louise Shaw; his sister, Lois Williams; and brother-in-law, Leroy Winfrey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hardin Cemetery.
Services in care of Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Richmond.