Eugene Schmeeckle

Eugene "Gene" Schmeeckle Gene Schmeeckle, age 88, of Eustis, passed away Monday, January 6, 2014 at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. He was born May 1, 1925 to William and Marie (Koch) Schmeeckle at Eustis. Gene grew up and attended school in Eustis, later serving in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge. On April 24, 1948 he was united in marriage to Madeline Stoneburg at Omaha. They moved to Western Nebraska in the Bridgeport and Gering areas before returning to Eustis in 1977, where he owned and operated the Shooten’ Haus. He served a term as mayor of Eustis and instrumental in starting the annual Wurst Tag celebration. Gene also wrote a column in the local papers entitled "Shooten from the Hip" and "Back to the Roots". He enjoyed hunting and his love for guns, collecting and repairing wide varieties of firearms. His hunting skills were featured in the Nebraskaland Magazine. Gene was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Farnam and the Eustis American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Madeline of Eustis; his children, Stephanie (Dennis) Vick of Lakewood, CO, Mark (Janet) Schmeeckle of Eustis; Lynne (Carey) Johns-Kanno of Scottsbluff, NE, Bill (Joyce) Schmeeckle of Lincoln, and Christine (Lyle) Miller of Doniphan, NE; nine grandchildren, Jason, Anne, Marc, Laura, Lisa, Ryan, Luke, Will and Samantha; ten great- grandchildren, Halley, Zach, Luke, Natalie, Carly, Jaydan, Cayden, Joshua, Nathan and Theo; and sister-in-law, Lois Schmeeckle of Escondido, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Schmeeckle; brothers, Theodore; Karl, and Roy; grandson, Jim Vick; and a great grandson, Corbin Reffalt. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ The King Catholic in Cozad. Burial with military honors will be at the East Cemetery in Eustis. Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Christ The King Catholic Church in Cozad.