Eugene "Gene" Peterka

Eugene “Gene” Neal Peterka passed away December 23, 2016 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas, surrounded by his family, at the age of 79. He was born August 26, 1937 on the family farm in Lincoln County, Kansas to the late Victor and Theresa (Farney) Peterka. He grew up and attended the Margaret one room school house and Wilson High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy serving aboard several ships, his most memorable being the USS Midway. On October 29, 1960, Gene was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lorene Small at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Kansas. They were blessed with four children, Kevin, Tom, Rhonda, and Sonya. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home to wear many different hats over his lifetime. He was proud of being an over the road truck driver, self-employed plumber, roustabout, and family handyman. He was a member of the American Legion, was a KU Basketball fan, enjoyed working on the farm, playing Pinochle with friends, and hanging out with the morning coffee group. But the thing that brought him the greatest joy of all was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Gene is survived by his children Kevin Peterka and wife Lerma of Oceanside, CA, Tom Peterka of Paola, Rhonda Widows of Albert, Sonya Wolfe and husband Kent of Hutchinson; brother Don Peterka and wife Alice of Wilson; sisters JoAnn Steinle of Wilson, Loy Anchutz and husband Mert of Wilson, Kathleen Merkel and husband Dr. Earl of Russell; brother-in-law Roy Shaw of Wilson; grandchildren Geoffrey Remudaro and wife Angie, Mari Shiffield and husband Donte, Timothy Peterka, Nicole Barrera and husband Jesse, Nathan Peterka and wife Lindsey, Haley Jo Peterka, Heidi Hintenach and husband Tom, Brandon Widows and wife Teresa, Andrea Ruggels and husband Alec, and Dakota Wolfe; 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Theresa Peterka, wife Lorene Peterka, sister Elaine Shaw, and brother-in-law Leonard Steinle. Gene had a big heart and was always quick to lend a helping hand wherever he could. He taught us by daily example the importance of taking care of one another, family, friends, and neighbors. Through his hard work and dedication we have a legacy of love to pass on for generations to come. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Foster Mortuary in Wilson. Burial will follow in the Wilson City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00-8:00pm on Wednesday at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00pm.