Eugene Gehlen

Eugene "Gene" Gehlen, age 72, of Richmond, Kansas, passed away on January 2, 2025, at his home.

Eugene Vincent Gehlen was born on September 22, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Vincent and Betty (Leis) Gehlen of Moran, Kansas. They have preceded him in death along with his oldest sister Eileen Gehlen.

Gene loved to joke around, always teasing the grandkids and many others that he treated like one of his own. His favorite thing to do was riding horseback. Every weekend he would take off to ride with whomever he could find whether they had their own horse or not. He turned many non-horse riders into horse riders with his kindness and love of riding. A few trails he loved to ride include Medicine Lodge and Kanopolis, Kansas, Pineville, Missouri, and the Mark Twain State Park. He was an active member of the Garnett Saddle Club where he rode in many parades. He would put his parade saddle on and head to Independence, Kincaid, Moran, Elsmore, Iola, and Garnett, Kansas, just to name a few. He always had an extra spot in his trailer or an extra horse for anyone who wanted to enjoy a ride. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his grandchildren up until he could not hold the bike steady due to his Parkinson's disease. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends.

Gene lived in Topeka, Kansas before he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to start his family. He had three children and later moved back to Kansas where he worked for the Allen County Road crew mowing with his tractor and mower maintaining every blacktop county road. He was employed for sixteen years as an Allen County Equipment Operator. He retired from the county and shortly after required the help of Good Shepard Hospice where he made great new friends and caregivers.

Gene leaves many, many friends and lots and lots of family who loved him deeply. He will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 HWY 54, Iola, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Garnett Saddle Club or the Parkinson's Foundation and left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.