Alois "Gene" Kiska

Alois "Gene" Kiska, 78, of Sherman, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2009 at St. John's Hospital. Gene was born on November 14, 1930 in Spaulding, the son of Frank A. and Anna Marie Hudson Kiska. Gene retired as a Management Superintendent from the Air Force in 1971. Military honors include two Presidential citations and three Air Force Commendations Medals. He retired from the Postal Service in 2006, and remained active for over twenty years as a financial planner specializing in tax deferred and tax deductible investments. Gene attended several universities in several states where stationed, including two years at the University of Hawaii and graduate studies in Economics at University of Illinois in Springfield. He was also a lifetime member if the VFW and National Rifle Association, and member of the American Legion, Eagles and DAV. He served several terms as President of the Spaulding Men's Club and two terms each as President of the Scott AFB and Hickman AFB Toastmasters Clubs. Gene is past Secretary and Lt. Governor of District 49 Toastmasters International. Gene is preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Donna Mae. He is survived by his wife, Patti Kiska of Sherman; his first wife and friend, Wanda Kiska of Springfield; his children, Sherri L. Kiska of Champaign, Karen S. Kiska of Chicago, Stacey J. (husband, Frank, Jr.) Willhite of Springfield, Michelle Gabriel of Springfield, John E. (wife, Lin) Hopwood of Gardner, and Richard A. (wife, Brandi) Hopwood of Wilmington; eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Shane, Emily, Kailey, Keaton, Kade, Lily, and Eva; his siblings, Melba (husband, Richard) Blakley and Dennis (wife, Janet) Conner, both of Sherman; in addition to several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2001 S. Lindberg Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131.