Eugene F. Harre

Eugene Francis Harre was born September 12, 1932, the son of John and Theresa Harre. He died Saturday, October 1, 2016, at the Eventide Nursing Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of eighty-four.
Gene was born in Exeter, Nebraska and received his education in the Exeter Community School, graduating with the class of 1951. After completing his education he started farming and was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Putnam on January 6, 1953. He entered the United States Army on March 4, 1953, serving with the 74th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in Germany. He received his honorable discharge on February 28, 1955, having received the Army of Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Gene returned to the Dow City area to farm.
Gene enjoyed farming, raising three thousand chickens, and doing carpentery work with Paul Losh and Darold Kahl. He was a member of the Dow City Community Club and Library Association. He was also employed by the Dow City School as a bus driver for 45 years and drove the Pep Bus. He was involved with the community, he loved kids and playing Santa was a great enjoyment to him. Gene was always willing to help wherever needed, even helped with setting up the nativity scene at the church. He loved attending his grandchildrens’ sporting events, was a big Nebraska football fan, and was able to attend the Rose Bowl in 2002, with his son. In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing, socializing, playing cards, telling jokes, and drinking coffee at Ettlemans. Gene also enjoyed traveling to Branson, Alaska, Hawaii,Ireland, helping organized trips Las Vegas and going to the Casino.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings: Paul and his wife, Margaret; Lawrence and his wife, Margaret; Kenneth and his wife, Darlene; Gladys and her husband, Charles; Jerome and his wife, Cathie; brothers-in-law; Leonard, William, Verlin, Jerry and Lester. Survivors include: his wife, Mary Ellen; one son, Raymond, M.D. and his wife, Barbara; two daughters: Mary and her husband, Tim, and Kathy and her husband, Jim; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers: Al and his wife, Loretta and Frances and his wife, Gayla; seven sisters: Reta Mae, Joan, Evelyn, and Doris and her husband, Nick; Jeanette; Leona; and Pat; many other relatives and friends.