Gene Heun, age 71 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020, in Iowa City at the University of Iowa Hospital. Eugene Leonard Heun was born on December 21, 1948, to parents Leonard and Ione (Peters) Heun at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA.
Gene grew up on a farm in rural Lake View with his parents and brother, Thomas. He attended Lake View-Auburn Grade School and graduated with Lake View-Auburn High School’s Class of 1967. Gene went on to attend Iowa State University and graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Ag Business.
Gene married the love of his life, Joni Sanders, on August 15, 1970, at the Presbyterian Church in Carroll, IA. In 1972, he began working for McCurdy Seed Company in Fremont, IA, which is also where he and Joni started their family. This union was blessed with three children: Mitchell, Christopher, and Lori. After his father’s retirement in 1988, Gene and his family returned to Lake View to continue the family farm operation.
Gene served in the Army National Guard from 1970-1976. During this time he served in the Infantry Weapons division being officially discharged as Lieutenant and received his Sharpshooter badge.
Gene loved to go boating and fishing in his spare time. Traveling with his family was also something he enjoyed. He was someone who helped whenever and wherever needed, both for his family and community. Gene served as a Trustee for Wall Lake Township. Above all, Gene genuinely just loved spending time with his family and friends and he adored his grandkids. Gene was baptized in Iowa City before entering his heavenly home on February 27, 2020. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joni Heun of Lake View, IA; children Mitchell (Victoria) Heun of Madison Lake, MN, Lori (Stephen) Lochray of Ames, IA; grandchildren Kate Lochray, Macie Lochray, Travis Burt; brother Tom (Jane) Heun of Jefferson, IA; sisters-in-law Lana (Bill) Geary of Carroll, IA, Shirley (Ron) Walrod of Boone, IA; brother-in-law Lynn (Carolyn) Sanders of California; nephews Adam (Alicia) Heun of Jefferson, IA, Daniel (fiancée Rebecca Brei) of Sioux City, IA; niece Anne (Joe) Frankl of Waukee, IA; many extended family members and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his son, Christopher; parents Leonard and Ione; parents-in-law Carl and Irma Sanders.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View, IA, with Pastor Nancy Peterson officiating. Burial will be in the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Lake View, IA. Visitation will take place from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Lake View.