When he got married, they moved east three miles from the homestead where they lived for 50 years before moving back to the family farm.

Gene graduated from Berthoud High School in 1954 and was drafted into the U.S. Army before receiving an honorable discharge.

In 1961, he married Evelyn Marie Matson in Longmont where they celebrated 65 years of marriage and spent that time raising kids and running a farm.

Gene was a farmer and cattle feeder his entire life, living and working the land east of Berthoud, raising sugar beets, corn, Coors barley, hay and wheat. Every morning at 4 a.m. Gene would meet his buddies at Johnson’s Corner for coffee, before beginning a hard day’s work.

He enjoyed being with his family and participating in the County Fair with his kids and then his grandkids, supporting them in all their school and sport activities.

Gene served with the Big Thompson Soil Conservation for 20 plus years, and as a 4-H leader with the Little Thompson chapter for 13 years.

Thankful to have shared his life are his wife, Evelyn; their three children, Tammy (Kevin) Fiechtner, Todd (Pam) Ostermiller and David (Marie) Ostermiller; seven grandchildren, Nicole Fiechtner, T.J. (Jordan) Ostermiller, Tess (Garrett) Frank, Courtney (Britt) Unger, Justin (Emma) March, Clayton Ostermiller and Savanah Ostermiller; 13 great-grandchildren, Lukas, Sammy, Rylee, Casen, Reagan, Cannon, Cade, Peighton, Landree, Keaton, Grayden, Barrett and Brigam; sisters, Dorothy (Clarence) Laber and Carol Ross; sisterin- law, Signe (Lou) Pedersen; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Matthew Fiechtner; and siblings, Edith, Ray, Roy, Maryann, Ruth, Joanne, and Alma.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. September 21 at the Johnstown United Methodist Church. Gene’s Life Celebration will be held at 1 p.m. September 22 at the church. Interment with military honors to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Berthoud and a reception to follow at Markham’s Event Center.

Memorial gifts may be made to “Anchor Center for Blind Children” or “St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital” and sent in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Memories can be shared at youngsfunerals.com.