Eugene John “Gene” Dondlinger was born March 6, 1940, to Harry and Marie (Kamler) Dondlinger on a farm near Shickley, where he continued to live his whole life, farming with his father and then on his own. He was the youngest of three children in the family. He passed away April 19, 2026, at Legacy Square Nursing Home in Henderson at the age of 86, after struggling with dementia for two years. Eugene was baptized, received first communion, and was confirmed at the Turkey Creek St Mary Catholic Church near Shickley. Gene attended rural school in District #92 and #48 until fourth grade, and then attended Shickley Public School, graduating with the class of 1956. Math was his favorite subject in school. Sports were his favorite activity, participating in baseball, basketball, football, and track.

Gene joined the Army Reserve with training in ammunition. His reserve unit was activated during the Vietnam War, and his six-year commitment to the reserves was fulfilled before his 295th unit was deployed to Vietnam. He was a member of the Shickley American Legion Post #164 in Shickley.

He met Judy Lance from Hardy,when she came to Shickley to teach school. They were married at St Joseph Catholic Church in Superior Aug. 3, 1964. They welcomed three children into their lives through adoption: Ted in 1968, Sam in 1970, and Micki in 1974.

Farming and sports were Gene’s passions. He especially liked track and softball. He helped design and build a track and field training facility at Shickley Public School. He coached girls’ softball and played fast-pitch softball as a pitcher for many years.

He began his running career when he was 38 years old, participating in two marathons, 14 half-marathons, and 100 ten-kilometer runs, setting goals for himself until he was 75 years old.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marie Dondlinger; sister, Dora Jane Watmore, in 2017; and brother, Jerome Dondlinger, in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Dondlinger; children, Ted (Kara) Dondlinger of Omaha, Sam Dondlinger of Valentine, and Micki (Randy) McKibbin of Bayard; eight grandchildren, Nolan, Evan, and Avery Dondlinger, Cameron Jarosik and Thorn Dondlinger, Mitchell, Carlie, and Shelbie McKibbin.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Gene on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Shickley with Father Harlan Waskowiak presiding.

There were four congregational hymns for Gene’s funeral mass that were accompanied by organist, Carol Grote, “ Amazing Grace”, “ Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling”, “ Here I Am Lord”, and “ Song Of Farewell”. There was one special hymn sung by Ted Dondlinger with organist Carol Grote accompanying, “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.

Pallbearers included Gene’s grandchildren: Nolan Dondlinger, Evan Dondlinger, Avery Dondlinger, Cameron Jarosik, Thorn Dondlinger, Mitchell McKibbin, Carlie McKibbin, and Shelbie McKibbin.

Graveside services with Military Honors were held following the funeral mass at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in rural Shickley.

Memorials were directed to the Shickley Community Foundation.

The Funeral Mass was livestreamed on Farmer & Son Funeral Home’s YouTube Page. YouTube Link: https://www. youtube.com/@FarmerSonFuneralHome.

Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome. com.