Memorial
Eugene G. (Geno) Woellert, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at Living Center West, Saturday, December 29 surrounded by his devoted wife of 63 ½ years, Darlene, and his four loving daughters.
Funeral Service will be at 11am, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha, with the Reverend Daniel Krueger officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm, Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will also be 1 hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, following a luncheon at the church.
Gene was born to Fred and Martha (Moser) Woellert on October 21, 1932 on the family farm in Manchester. He married Darlene Klahn June 5, 1955 in Cedar Rapids. He and his wife were long-term members of Zion Lutheran Church, where Gene served in numerous capacities, including the 1960’s rebuilding program.
Gene was a devoted employee for 43 years at The Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in Cedar Rapids, retiring in July, 1995. In the early 60’s while at Pepsi, Gene organized a fund to assist the less fortunate; where he and his co-workers would shop for groceries, clothes and toys; then deliver them to the families. He loved to see their eyes light up when the family received the many sacks of goodies.
Gene enjoyed fishing, watching TV westerns, and his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He held season football tickets for a number of years and enjoyed taking Darlene and his girls to the games. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the bounty with family, neighbors and friends.
Gene is survived by his wife, daughters Sue (Jim) Peterson of Marion, Deb (Dan) Himes of Cedar Rapids, Sandy Hopkins, Atkins, and Rhonda (Joe) Prouty, also of Atkins; grandchildren Tom (Heather) Peterson, Beth Peterson (and fiancé Colton Warner), Jeff Himes, Bob (Lynn) Himes, KayCee Stickley, Allison Prouty, 6 great-grandchildren, sister Berniece Wendt, brother Maynard (Janet) Woellert, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold and Ronald, sisters Wilma and infant Marian, son-in-law John Hopkins, and grandson Jeremiah Purdy.
The family would like to thank the staff at Living Center West for their compassion and great care. Gene quickly became a favorite and had the nurses and CNAs wrapped around his finger. The family also wishes to thank Unity Point Hospice for their kindness, understanding and devotion to their profession. They are truly angels on Earth.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous of Iowa, Zion Lutheran Church, or the family.