Gene was born in a private home in Thedford, NE. He attended all 12 years of school in Thedford and graduated in May of 1957. In August of 1957 he joined the U.S. Navy for four years. He was discharged in January of 1961.
In June of 1960 he was united in marriage to Rena Ayres. To this union was born two children, Karen and Gordon.
Gene enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing softball, being with family and camping.
Gene is survived by his wife, Rena (Ayres) Piel, daughter, Karen (Jerry) White, son, Gordon (Susan) Piel, sister Barbara (Knapton) McNeel, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many friends.
Arrangements will be much later for visitation in Jefferson, IA and Springfield, MO. He was preceded in death by both parents, Kenneth and Margaret (Warner) Piel, a brother, James Knapton, and sister, Lois (Piel) Houser.