Gene took pride in maintaining his yard, garden and house in pristine condition. He decided that the afternoon of July 27, 2025, was right time to work in the yard. It was a very hot and humid afternoon – perhaps too hot for Gene. He died that afternoon while mowing the grass.     Visitation is on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kansas. A rosary will be prayed at 11:30 AM. Immediately following the rosary, Gene will be taken for burial at St. John’s cemetery, 89th and Pflumm Road in Lenexa – about 1.5 miles or five minutes from the funeral home. At the gravesite there will be a Catholic memorial service and U.S. military honors.  

Gene was born in Kansas City, Kansas on November 25, 1942.  He was the third son of Clarence and Marguerite Klein. He grew up in Lenexa, Kansas along with his brothers Jerry, Dick, and Bill. He attended Holy Trinity grade school in Lenexa and graduated from St. Joseph high school in Shawnee in 1962. Gene was very interested in genealogy and was the depository for family history. He even traveled to Belgium to visit our VanDenBroecke relatives.   

He joined the U.S. Airforce in 1962 and spent his tour of duty in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he received a good conduct medal and a Vietnam service medal. He was honorably discharged in 1966. He then became active in the VFW and American Legion and supported their various activities, including memorial day honor guard services.

After his military service Gene worked at the Owens Corning fiberglass plant in Kansas City, Kansas, for many years until he retired. He was a member of the union at the plant. Gene was a member In good standing at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas where he was an usher. He also volunteered at St. Mary’s food kitchen.

When he was not maintaining his yard or garden, Gene enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes, playing race-horse pitch, and visiting local casinos.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents (Clarence and Marguerite Klein), brother Jerry (and his wife Jean), and brother Bill. He is survived by his brother Dick (and his wife Ginny) and his sister-in-law Cindy (Bill’s wife).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests consideration be given to a memorial gift to Christ the King Catholic Church.