Lifelong Rooks County resident Eugene “Gene” Hrabe passed away Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Solomon Valley Manor, Stockton. He was 85 years of age. Gene was born May 19, 1930, in Plainville, the son of the late Frank and Laura May (Kopsa) Hrabe.

Gene was a 1948 graduate of Codell High School. He went to serve our country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was enlisted from 1948 to 1952, and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his service, he was stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Ft. Bliss, Texas, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, and Ft. Lewis, Washington (for engineer school). He spent two years in Korea, having earned 5 Bronze Stars. Gene was missing in action for a short period of time while deployed. He was very proud to have served our nation in a time of war.

Gene was united in marriage to Rita Schindler on August 17, 1952. To this union, three children were born. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. He worked for Rooks County Road Department, and Schult Homes. Gene and family owned and operated Hrabe Jersey Farms for 45 years. They raised dairy and beef cattle, hogs, sheep, and lambs. He was instrumental in many successful Rooks County Free Fairs, as he served on the Fair Board from 1975 to 1993, and was president for many of those years. Gene had a place in his heart for children’s education. He served as member and past president of the Stockton USD 271 School Board from 1979 to 1983. He was a 4-H leader for many years, and was a member of the Dairy Farmers of America. Gene was a life member of Stockton VFW Post 8873, volunteering his time for many events, including funerals of fellow veterans.

Gene was known for speaking his mind, and his sense of humor. He loved to meet people and always looked forward to visits with friends and family. He was always there to cheer on his children and grandchildren in their school and sporting events. He cared deeply for his family, and always looked forward to family gatherings. Gene will be dearly missed by many.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Rita of the family home; a daughter, Debra and husband Leo Inglsbee of Stockton; a son, Dean and wife Marcia of Stockton; five grandchildren, Weston Inglsbee (Heidi) of Bennett, Colorado, Wade Inglsbee (Jacque Kollman) of Salina, Whitney Inglsbee (James Ehrlich) of Stockton, Courtney Flower (Logan) of Stockton, and Cody Hrabe of Stockton; five great-granchildren, Taylor, Tanner, Kinley, Lexi, and Cole; and a brother, Normand and wife Zoe of Stockton. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Dennis; sisters Euline Holubar and Dorrine Dix; and a nephew, John Stahl.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the Assembly of God Church, Stockton. Burial will take place immediately after at the Stockton City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church in Stockton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to VFW Post 8873 or Rooks County Free Fair. Checks made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family by online guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com.