Eugene "Gene" Hennes

Eugene Francis Hennes was born on February 19, 1940 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas, the son of John W. and Ann M (Lutgen) Hennes. He passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the age of 77 years.

Gene graduated from St. John's Catholic High School in 1958. He served four years in the United States Air Force beginning in 1959. He spent the majority of that time stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas. Upon completing his commitment, he attended the US Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri for one year, also working for Caterpillar during that time.

Gene left Kansas City to return to Beloit, Kansas and join his father in soil conservation contracting, and farming. He continued farming until 2008, and finally stepped off the dozer in 2015. Soil conservation was his great passion and he took great pride in the work he completed, and greatly appreciated the patronage of the many clients over the years. In his later years of work he allowed the game of golf to enter his life occasionally, and, upon retirement, enjoyed playing with his friends as long as he was able.

On February 19, 1977 he was united in marriage to Nancy Marilyn Budke at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas. Nancy brought a son, Bruce Budke, to the union. One son, John, was born to this union. They were privileged to enjoy 40 years of marriage together.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dan Hennes.

Left to remember his life are his wife, Nancy , two sons Bruce Budke and his wife Michelle, John and his wife Anna; four grandchildren; Justine Budke, Owen, Ethan, and Josie Hennes; one brother Joseph Hennes (Jane); and three sisters, Dianne Gill (Jerry), Jeanette Kreimer (Dave), and Mary Hanan (John); and one sister-in-law, Kathy Hennes.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Friday, October 13 at St. John's Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 1-4 PM Thursday at Roberts Family Funeral Service, and a rosary service will be at 6 PM Thursday at the Church. Memorials may be given to St. John's Schools or St. John's Catholic Church. Per his wishes, the casket will remain closed.