Eugene “Gene” Walter Erb, 89, of Wakefield, NE died on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, NE. Private family graveside services will be held in the Wakefield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield.
Gene was born on December 31, 1930 to Menno and Mary (Grieser) Erb in Beemer, NE. He attended and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1948. In Gene’s younger years he worked as a cobbler and repaired shoes and worked with his dad in a tractor repair shop in Wakefield. After high school Gene Served in the US Army during the Korean War where he was a Drill Sergeant and trained troops in heavy artillery. Upon his return to Nebraska, Gene married Mary Lou Gensler on September 9, 1954 in Norfolk, NE. He started the Wakefield Auto Salvage and worked as a mechanic until he retired in 1990. Gene also enjoyed going up to the Erb Car Wash every day and taking care of it. He opened it in the early 70’s which makes it one of the oldest family-owned businesses still operating on Main Street Wakefield today. He also served on the City Council for years and Gene was very active with the Wakefield American Legion Post 81, and proudly attending many funerals with the color guard and participated in Memorial Day services.
Gene enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling along with camping with his family and friends. In his later years, he enjoyed turning wrenches and spending time with his friends having “coffee” at the Big Shed. He loved spending time with his family and grandkids and rarely missed a sporting event at Wakefield.
Gene is survived by his son, Jason (Denise) Erb of Wakefield, NE; daughters, Joni (Jono) Kline of Omaha, NE, Lana (Doug) Otto of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Derek (Brady) Erb-Woods, Ben (Jordan) Kline, Corey Kline, Drake Otto, Cole Otto, Justin Erb; and great-grandchild, Kennedy Kline.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Lou; sisters, Helen Erb and Gladys “Pat” Niemeyer.
