Gene F. Waggoner

A funeral service for Gene F. Waggoner will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alma, Nebraska with Pastor Seong Lee officiating. Interment will follow at the Alma cemetery in Alma with Military Honors provided by the Fay Cady American Legion Post #118 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

The funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Gene Francis Waggoner, 94 years of age, of Alma, died on September 11, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society-Colonial Villa in Alma.  Gene was born in Huntley, Nebraska on October 28, 1926, the youngest of six children, born to Budd and Bertha (Godeken) Waggoner.  He received his education from the Huntley Public School and graduated with the class of 1943.

Following his education, Gene worked on the family farm near Alma.

On September 19, 1950 Gene enlisted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged on September 19, 1952.

On August 12, 1956, Gene was united in marriage to Farrell Adle at the Methodist Church in Gothenburg, Nebraska and to this union four children were born: Mike, Rich, Jodi, and Brad.  The couple made their home in Alma. Early family life included whole family dinners every Sunday at B.O. and Bertha's farm with Gene's five brothers and their families.  Together they enjoyed golfing, dancing, and sports, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers, traveling, and taking care of their grandchildren.  Gene liked tending to his lawn and was once awarded lawn of the month. Family was most important to Gene, he followed his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to all of their activities and never missed an opportunity to support their achievements. Gene had a tight bond with his brothers and that bond grew tighter when the boys got married and had children of their own, the family continued to remain close and they instilled those family values into their own children.

He was a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, City Council, and the United Methodist Church in Alma where he served on various church boards.

At the Villa Gene was known as a very patient and soft-spoken man and by his family a silent leader. Gene was a humble guy, soft-spoken, loyal and committed, all abiding Waggoner qualities.

Gene was preceded in death by: his parents; five brothers: Clayton Waggoner and his wife, Bertha; Calvin Waggoner and his wife, Irma; Daniel Waggoner and his wife, Dorothy; Loren "Bo" Waggoner and his wife, Mickey; and Thomas Waggoner and his wife, Norma.

Gene is survived by his wife Farrell, of 65 years; four children: Mike Waggoner and his wife, Gaye of Castle Rock, Colorado; Rich Waggoner and his wife, Deb of Grand Island, Nebraska; Jodi Ehrke and her husband, Jerry of Alma; and Brad Waggoner of Alma; eight grandchildren: Jacob Waggoner; Nicholas Waggoner and his wife, Jillian; Lucas Waggoner and his wife, Sherri; Tyler Ehrke and his wife, Ginger Lei; Derek Ehrke and his wife Maria; Whitney Billeter and her husband, Drew; Marcus Ehrke; Matthew Waggoner; great-grandchildren: Penelope and Samuel Waggoner; Broderick, Vivienne, Evan Ehrke; Beckett, Cassidy, and Jagger Ehrke; Houston, Aspen, Baylor, and Bruin Billeter; Paxton and Memphis Ehrke; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alma.

A memorial has been established in Gene's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.