Eugene "Gene" Gebel, age 83, of Mitchell, SD died Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Firesteel Healthcare Center under the care of hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Holy Family Catholic Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel. Gene Gebel, son of Edward and Marguerite (Conzemius) Gebel, was born September 24, 1929 in Alta Vista, IA. He grew up and attended country school near Armour, SD. After he completed his schooling, Gene moved with his family to farm near Humboldt, SD. In 1948, the family moved to a farm northeast of Mitchell, SD. Gene entered the US Marines on December 14, 1951 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1953 and returned to the family farm. Gene was united in marriage with Mildred Suhr on May 4, 1954 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Dimock, SD. In 1954, the couple made their home on a farm northeast of Mitchell, Gene continued to farm there for 41 years retiring in 1993. Gene also was employed at 3M in Mitchell and then later for Toshiba. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Forester Club. Gene loved camping and fishing. After his retirement Gene and Mildred enjoyed traveling on many bus tours. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Mildred Gebel, Mitchell, SD, four children, Gary (Corinne) Gebel, Wilcox, NE, Dennis Gebel, Utica, SD, Kevin (Dee) Gebel, Mitchell, SD, Janelle (Steve) Lothspeich, Black Hawk, SD; nine grandchildren; one great grandson; two brothers, Jarold (Jeanette) Gebel, Mitchell, SD, Ken (Edna) Gebel, Missouri Valley, IA; two sisters, Mary (Ralph) Mahoney, Fulton, SD, Janice (Dennis) Welch, Mitchell, SD; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law, Donna Gebel; a brother-in-law, Leonard Suhr; and a sister-in-law, Marie Suhr.
