Obituaries : Gene Walter Herring

Gene Walter Herring, 90 of Belle Plaine, IA passed away Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at West Ridge Care Center, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Gene was born Feb. 5, 1933 to Walter and Mary (Ransom) Herring in Blairstown, IA. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School, class of 1951. Gene lived in and near Belle Plaine for his entire life. He delivered bottled gas, worked for Maytag, and spent many years as a plumber in Belle Plaine.

Gene spent many hours training, hunting and spending time with his dogs. He also liked feeding the wild birds that visited his patio, and growing vegetables in his garden. He enjoyed classic cars (including his 1964 ½ Mustang), Iowa Hawkeyes basketball, square dancing, pheasants hunting, watching westerns, listening to his antique records, researching genealogy, and road trips. Most of all he loved time with his family and his dog, Belle.

He was a member of the Belle Plaine Masonic Lodge and Christ United Methodist Church.

Gene was thoughtful, kind, helpful, generous, optimistic, loving, and easy-going. Many who know him refer to him as a "true gentleman." He had a clever wit, sense of humor, and loved laughing. He lived with diabetes for almost 80 years, but never let it define him or hold him back. Even at 90 years old, he was walking on a treadmill daily. He was an inspiration to his daughters and others who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Amanda (Richard) Brough of Granby, CO; Barbara (Billy) Shields of Luzerne, IA; and grandchildren, Bennett, Mary, Chris Shields.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Joan (2021).

Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Burial will take place at Beal Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21st at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com